Return pump.

[Benedetto84]

Looking for a new return pump for my biocube 29. This morning my pump started acting funny. When I turned it off for feed when I tried to turn it back on it wouldn't come on. After unplugging and plugging back in several times it started working . So as stated I am looking for a new return pump. Any suggestions would be great thanks

 

[Brew12]

Looking for a new return pump for my biocube 29. This morning my pump started acting funny. When I turned it off for feed when I tried to turn it back on it wouldn't come on. After unplugging and plugging back in several times it started working . So as stated I am looking for a new return pump. Any suggestions would be great thanks

When is the last time you cleaned it? It sounds like you may have a problem with the mechanical stop that prevents it from spinning backwards. I'm thinking running it in vinegar for a awhile might be all you need to get it working fine again.

 

[Benedetto84]

I haven't cleaned it since I got it, but that was in July. But I'll pull it out and run it through vinegar to try and get it cleaned out. If that doesn't work do you have any suggestion? Also thanks

 

[Travis Rider]

I purchased this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003SNOWVE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It seems to be holding up really well and it is quiet.

 

[Brew12]

I haven't cleaned it since I got it, but that was in July. But I'll pull it out and run it through vinegar to try and get it cleaned out. If that doesn't work do you have any suggestion? Also thanks

Sorry, I really don't have any suggestions for a replacement.

Just so you understand why cleaning should help (I'm a geek and love info like this)... Small single phase AC motors can run in either direction. It's really a combination of where the impeller stops in relation to the motor windings. Most manufacturers put an anti-reverse rotation device (many different styles) so if it starts the wrong way, it immediately bounces off this device and starts spinning in the correct direction. Depending on the design, this may not work if the pump isn't fairly clean. It sounds like your pump may be hitting this stop and sticking.

Hoping someone with more experience can recommend a better return pump if you still decide to replace it.

 

[Benedetto84]

Sorry, I really don't have any suggestions for a replacement.

Just so you understand why cleaning should help (I'm a geek and love info like this)... Small single phase AC motors can run in either direction. It's really a combination of where the impeller stops in relation to the motor windings. Most manufacturers put an anti-reverse rotation device (many different styles) so if it starts the wrong way, it immediately bounces off this device and starts spinning in the correct direction. Depending on the design, this may not work if the pump isn't fairly clean. It sounds like your pump may be hitting this stop and sticking.

Hoping someone with more experience can recommend a better return pump if you still decide to replace it.

Thanks for the info honestly had no clue that's how it worked!!

But unfortunately it won't even try to start. It's making no noise at all when I plug it in. So hopefully it starts again. If not I think this means I will have to make a trek out to the lfs that's so far away lol.

 

[Benedetto84]

I purchased this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003SNOWVE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It seems to be holding up really well and it is quiet.

Thank you! I might need to get one today though.. it won't come back on as of now so might have to get one around here

 

[Brew12]

Thanks for the info honestly had no clue that's how it worked!!

But unfortunately it won't even try to start. It's making no noise at all when I plug it in. So hopefully it starts again. If not I think this means I will have to make a trek out to the lfs that's so far away lol.

Do you know how to take the front of the pump off so you can inspect the impeller?

 

[RobBaglieri]

Thanks for the info honestly had no clue that's how it worked!!

But unfortunately it won't even try to start. It's making no noise at all when I plug it in. So hopefully it starts again. If not I think this means I will have to make a trek out to the lfs that's so far away lol.

My pump did the same thing. I socked it in vinegar for four days and it started working again.

 

[Benedetto84]

Do you know how to take the front of the pump off so you can inspect the impeller?

I'll have to look at it and check to see how

 

[Brew12]

I'll have to look at it and check to see how

It's normally fairly easy. What brand and model is it?

 

[Benedetto84]

It's normally fairly easy. What brand and model is it?

The impeller wasn't dirty it was all behind it. And it's a coralife. When I first got this one I did a vinegar bath because I bought it used but I never took it apart. So it had some stuff in it. I cleaned it out with a little brush I had

 

[Brew12]

The impeller wasn't dirty it was all behind it. And it's a coralife. When I first got this one I did a vinegar bath because I bought it used but I never took it apart. So it had some stuff in it. I cleaned it out with a little brush I had

Sorry, if it is clean on the inside and still not working I am out of ideas. Wish I could have been more help!

 

[Benedetto84]

Sorry, if it is clean on the inside and still not working I am out of ideas. Wish I could have been more help!

Thanks for all the help though, Really appreciate it. It's not even trying to come on. So I think in order for me to get some thing in the tank Ima have to make a drive.

 

[RobBaglieri]

If you can, try to keep a spare pump on hand. I rotate mine while they are soaking

 

[Benedetto84]

If you can, try to keep a spare pump on hand. I rotate mine while they are soaking

Yeah I'm going to have to do that!

 

[Benedetto84]

So I just used my small pump I have for mixing saltwater. It's a little less than what I would like. Does any one know of a good return pump with a controller that will fit in the biocube ?

 

[lion king]

The cobalt aquatics mj1200 is a perfect swap, a good pump and is rated about the same gph as the original. I would prefer to use the controller on my powerheads in the display,

 

[Benedetto84]

The cobalt aquatics mj1200 is a perfect swap, a good pump and is rated about the same gph as the original. I would prefer to use the controller on my powerheads in the display,

Thank you. I was looking at that one and it looks like it will get the job done. I agree about controllable powerheads. I have a jabao wp10 in the dt right now which I like a lot