Tunze 3155 ato pump issue

[KJoFan]

The past couple days I’ve had issues with the pump on my 3155. It will pump fine for a few seconds and then just winds down to nothing. The pump is still running as I can hear it and feel it running when I pick it up, but it’s not dispensing water.

It’s like it is set to only run for maybe 10 seconds and then throttle back but I don’t think that should be the case.

The controller still indicates the pump is on. The pump stops pumping before the water level gets to where it should be, so my water level is perpetually low.

I was thinking to just replace the pump (if I could ever find one to buy) but want to be sure it’s a pump problem rather than a controller problem.

 

[rvitko]

How old is this controller? What you describe means the PTC is overheating and breaking the contact for the pump, this would be unsolvable on a controller made before 2009 which has an 800mA limit for the pump (1200mA since 2009), the pumps changed around that time and while they look the same, they are internally different and need more power. Corroded wiring to the pump is another possible cause, a wrong power supply can also be a cause. It can be the pump as well, but I would verify everything else is correct. If this is a newer Osmolator, you might also check the pump speed adjustment, having it completely maxed out can also push it past the 1200mA limit and on an older unit, just turning the knob a hair will renew the contact in the potentiometer.

 

[KJoFan]

How old is this controller? What you describe means the PTC is overheating and breaking the contact for the pump, this would be unsolvable on a controller made before 2009 which has an 800mA limit for the pump (1200mA since 2009), the pumps changed around that time and while they look the same, they are internally different and need more power. Corroded wiring to the pump is another possible cause, a wrong power supply can also be a cause. It can be the pump as well, but I would verify everything else is correct. If this is a newer Osmolator, you might also check the pump speed adjustment, having it completely maxed out can also push it past the 1200mA limit and on an older unit, just turning the knob a hair will renew the contact in the potentiometer.

I’m not sure how old it is. It came used with a tank I purchased from someone. Is there a way to tell?
Seems like that’s the starting point to try to diagnose it.

 

[rvitko]

Is it black with blue lettering (definitely pre 2008) or blue with white lettering? On anything made before 2012, date info is inside the controller on a tag, post 2012 their is a silver sticker on the back of the controller with the date info.

 

[KJoFan]

I’m going to guess 2019? The power cord also falls out quite easily or loses connection if bumped.

 

[rvitko]

Can I get a picture of the power supply? It may be the wrong one and that is the culprit. Yes, June 2019.

 

[KJoFan]

This was the supply included with it:

 

[rvitko]

Thats the problem, it is 24V, the correct power supply is 12V-

If you order from this link you will get the US version-

Power supply unit 12 V - Tunze

Hi-Tech für Aquaristik

www.tunze.com

 

[KJoFan]

Thats the problem, it is 24V, the correct power supply is 12V-

If you order from this link you will get the US version-

Power supply unit 12 V - Tunze

Hi-Tech für Aquaristik

www.tunze.com

Thanks for troubleshooting this for me!

I’ll pick up the right power supply and hopefully that’ll solve the issue.

 

[KJoFan]

Thats the problem, it is 24V, the correct power supply is 12V-

If you order from this link you will get the US version-

Power supply unit 12 V - Tunze

Hi-Tech für Aquaristik

www.tunze.com

Well, the joke’s on me. I was using the wrong power supply and had the correct one all along. ‍

The pump doesn’t sound nearly as loud as it used to either.

And, I hadn't ordered the new power supply yet.

 

[rvitko]

Great news!