Broken Return pump, is there anything I can do with it?

[BristleWormHater]

Awhile ago I bought an IM 25g lagoon one of the return pumps was broken (already got a replacement under warranty) Is there any common issues that I could fix because I need a return pump for water changes, or should I just throw it out?

 

[reefsaver]

I keep them because I have issues lol. I mean there's all kinds of useful little things. There's probably a small Transformer in the pump, an impeller turbine thingy with the metal magnetized base. The wire could be repurposed. Call me a hoarder but if I pay $100 for a pump and it dies 3 year later I'm still keeping lol.

 

[Townes_Van_Camp]

I have 3 of the IM pumps. Never used them. I always throw in a Sicce of appropriate size. But, Let's try process of elimination.

Pull the impeller and check for anything inside the impeller socket and on the impeller/magnet, that could impede movement. If you see or feel anything there, clean it up with sandpaper. Carefully and use a very high grit, 440.

Also, try running the pump out of the water with nothing on it. Just the pump and the impeller. Just for a moment to see if it will fire. If it won't run without the basket and cover, your problem will be in the pump or controller internals.

So now let's try the pump. But put it on your other controller. If it works, you have a bad controller. If it doesn't work.

Put the known good pump on your bad controller. See what happens there.

At least after that you will have your issue isolated to one of the three pieces.

 

[reefsaver]

If worst comes to worst and you're looking for the best possible pump for the Lagoon. My favorite would be the Aqua-medic DC pumps. I would check to be sure but the 1.3 should fit a 25G's sump compartment.

 

[Blue Ring Octopus]

Well he is in Roswell and you are The Milkyway I am not sure if that pump is available in the US but only the Shadow knows.

 

[mfinn]

Awhile ago I bought an IM 25g lagoon one of the return pumps was broken (already got a replacement under warranty) Is there any common issues that I could fix because I need a return pump for water changes, or should I just throw it out?

If it's broken and has no chance of being fixed, just toss it. It's just garbage at that point.