Does my skimmer needs a new pump already?

[ngvu1]

This morning I turned back my skimmer after forgetting to turn if on after water change last night. I noticed the water level inside the skimmer body is 1 or 2 inches lower than before. I could not raise the water level any more. It was like the pump cannot push more water. I also changed the sock this morning as the water was cloudy...Not sure if there was another issue besides the skimmer. There were a lot of micro bubbles pumped to the DT. I remember reading somewhere that new socks causes micro bubbles.....Don't think I have this issue in the past btw. Pump is about 1.5 year worth of use.

 

[143MPCo]

When was the last time you cleaned the pump itself?

 

[Downbeach]

When was the last time you removed the skimmer, and thoroughly cleaned the pump and motor?

 

[143MPCo]

Also might want to check the inlet along with the air-nipple for clogs.

 

[ngvu1]

I would say a few weeks ago but i didn't use it until a few days ago

 

[143MPCo]

I've had some sort of hard, almost calcium like depots just inside the air inlet on the pump cause this issue.

 

[143MPCo]

I would say a few weeks ago but i didn't use it until a few days ago

quick rinse or vinegar dip and run?

 

[ngvu1]

I found 1 of the rubber legs inside the pump when I cleaned it. It was a lot more quiet for the last week after the cleaning but this morning boom ..gone....might be something inside the intake again

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

I had an issue with my skimmer at one point where the impeller had separated from the shaft so it would only spin very loosely and would not provide adequate bubbling to reach the skimmer cup. Another possibility is the airline clogged with salt creep.

 

[ngvu1]

I never had a skimmer pump went bad before and I never used skimmer much in the past so I don't know how a skimmer pump going bad behaves

 

[redfishbluefish]

I never had a skimmer pump went bad before and I never used skimmer much in the past so I don't know how a skimmer pump going bad behaves

I'll lend you my SWC skimmer with an Atman pump......I've lost count....maybe the 5th, 6th or 7th pump I've put on this skimmer. :eek: That Atman is a quality pump!!!!! :rolleyes:


As mentioned, give it a thorough cleaning and make sure you have no deposits on the venture inlet (where the air tube meets the doughnut ring thingy...on the inside). I have to actually chip the precipitate off with a long small knife.

 

[ngvu1]

My skimmer is the Space saver Reef Octopus 150 which uses the Aquatrance 1800s skimmer pump "I think". @redfishbluefish are you beging serious about these pumps are quality? I was looking for alternative but I am not sure which pump will fit the thing :-)

 

[redfishbluefish]

Let me be clear.....Atman pumps are pieces of crap. I actually purchased a brand new spare that sat in the box for over a year. When I needed it, it too was dead out of the box....had it too long to return it. I've tried repeatedly to find an alternate pump to the Atman, but nothing will fit in the close quarters inside the skimmer body. I'm actually looking for another skimmer that does not have an Atman pump.

I'm guessing you're just needing a cleaning a readjustment to get that skimmer working right.

 

[ngvu1]

Is aquatrance another name for atman pump?

 

[redfishbluefish]

As far as I know, not the same company. Atman pumps are the same as Via Aqua pumps, but that's about all I know. I'm pretty sure you don't have an Atman.

 

[ngvu1]

Well, that was this morning. I came home after working late and running some errands, picking a used swc 160 skimmer from a reef buddy and check out his tank :-). The skimmer was fine now (maybe not as great as before but almost perfect). I looks great with the water level and no micro bubbles to the DT. I won't dare to turn it off until the weekend....
It is the about to go down symptom?

 

[redfishbluefish]

You've been forewarned, that SWC 160 has an Atman 2500 pump! :eek:

 

[Uliulimaka]

Sometimes oil from your hands while doing maintenance will cause loss of surface tension. Causes the skimmer to not bubble up as it should. Make sure you wash up before getting your hands in the tank.

 

[Acan Skywalker]

Replace the Atman with a Sicce

 

[ngvu1]

exact fit with no adapter? What model of the Sicce?

Thanks

Replace the Atman with a Sicce