MAR 3181

ReefTeacher · Feb 9, 2021

Hey Roger,

I bought a 3181 algae reactor back in October from Aquarium Specialty. I was doing some work in the sump this week and I noticed the pump was not working. The controller has power and lights up, but the pump does not. When I power it down using the feed button, and then repower it, it makes a sound...like something is landing! no joke! How should we proceed?

PeterC99 · Feb 9, 2021

Depending on your setup, you may need to prime the pump.

ReefTeacher · Feb 9, 2021

ummm....prime the pump? It had been working for months and the pump is submerged in the sump. I'm not sure what you mean.

PeterC99 · Feb 9, 2021

Basically get the flow started. Sometimes you have to prime the system (suck the water through) to get it started.

rvitko · Feb 10, 2021

Have you opened the pump and removed the impeller? The noise would indicate there is something going on with the impeller, a foreign object, calcium deposits, possibly broken blade, or that the cover over the impeller well is loose or not lined up properly. It would be about due for a break down and cleaning at this point.

ReefTeacher · Feb 10, 2021

will do Roger. I will report back

ReefTeacher · Feb 10, 2021

You will never believe what it was.

I cleaned the impeller and the pump, which really did not seem bad at all. I tested it in the sump and the pump was working fine. I hooked it back up to the reactor (can I say I LOATHE those hoses) and still nothing...hmmmm.

Come to find out, a piece of algae had broken free and traveled up to the top of the reactor preventing anything from exiting. Once I cleared that out, everything works fine. I never thought to look because the reactor isn't that full right now.