Broken Skimmer cable

[olireef]

180 for a replacement pump
Your safety priceless

The thing is its in Germany im in Switzerland, it takes weeks until it arrives. So thats why im looking for a new skimmer

 

[count krunk]

I think it's worth the wait to go with reef octopus. I have a hob reef octopus from 2013 with original pump still pulling dark skimmate.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Wires are insulated. I agree on heat shrink for repair

 

[JohnGP]

Olireef,
Here's an idea; as mentioned heat shrink tubing with an adhesive/sealant inside it would probably fix it temporarily until your new skimmer arrives. I use that type heat shrink a lot and it's good stuff but I'd still either order a new pump or skimmer. You'll want the heat shrink to extend past both sides of the tear so almost all the way to the pump body and about 1-1.5 inches past the tear the other way up the cable as well. You have to heat up the heat shrink until you see the sealant liquify for it to seal fully. Once it hardens it is pretty stiff so if that cable has to make a sharp turn up out of the sump try and form it while it's still hot(caution, burned fingers ahead!). Order your new pump or skimmer now so you don't have to run that pump very long. Do you have a grounding probe in your tank? GFI outlet?

 

[Plecosam]

Cannot guarantee achieving the required insulation resistance, this is not a DIY project. Best case its trips earth leakage, worst case is obvious. Without an insulation tester these repairs are quite dangerous, also these pumps are resin filled, not really serviceable electrically.

 

[Crabs McJones]

You could cut and resolder or splice together. Use heat shrink to seal it up

Does that risk leaking any chemicals into the tank though?

 

[Plecosam]

Does that risk leaking any chemicals into the tank though?

Definitely, but they could also be harmless, no one can tell without an MSDS.