Help! Return pump just died.

[MounteeFrag]

I have 240 gallon reef tanked that i was running with a Jabeo DC 12000. I was acclimating a star fish and my return pump just shut off. I have power to the controller but i believe the pump is fried. How long can i go without one? I can overnight one off of Amazon but would like to save the $36. Any suggestions would be appreciated

 

[Mike J.]

I presume you have power heads in the tank? Just point your power heads so they break the surface of the water and you'll be fine for a few days. There are plenty of tanks that don't have sumps.

 

[watdachuck]

I have had a return pump die before. I attached hosing to a power head and put it in my sump. The tube brought water into the tank and basically acted like a much smaller return pump until a replacement came in. I did not want the water in the sump to sit stagnant.

I have Vortech's that kept a solid current in the tank.

 

[MounteeFrag]

So just put a heater in and let it go?

 

[Trex]

So just put a heater in and let it go?

And if you have a temp probe (( as part of a controller )) make sure to move it from the sump to the main tank.

 

[gcrawford]

Try taking the pump apart and clean the impeller. Mine did the same thing and after cleaning it well it fired right up. Mine had some calcium buildup inside.

 

[MounteeFrag]

Try taking the pump apart and clean the impeller. Mine did the same thing and after cleaning it well it fired right up. Mine had some calcium buildup inside.

I could kiss you right now! Pump is working and tank is back to running normal.

 

[fishroomlady]

that is great news! aren't forums the best?!!

 

[MounteeFrag]

Yes they are.

 

[gcrawford]

I could kiss you right now! Pump is working and tank is back to running normal.

Awesome! I think those have some kind of fail safe that doesn't allow the pump to run if it thinks it's running dry. I could never find a sensor or anything, but a thorough cleaning did the trick for me - and for you!

Glad to help. : )

 

[MounteeFrag]

Well went home last night and pump was dead again. Took it apart cleaned a bit more and nothing. Ordered a new one.

 

[Lilmatty5dimes]

i had a friend skimmer pump do this and told him to give it a good vinegar bath and after that kicked right on.

 

[gcrawford]

I actually sold mine and went back to an Iwaki a few months back. They are super dependable.

 

[MounteeFrag]

New pump on and everything is running.