#1 rule - don't work on tank plumbing at night

[tcoral]

Of course I didn't follow that rule and went to replace a faulty return pump (freshwater) at 8 pm. Found out that the tubing for the old Mag 3 was a little smaller than the outlet on the new pump and I didn't feel like finding some more tubing, so tried to put back on the Mag 3. Surprise, surprise, it didn't start back up again This was the reason for having to get another pump in the first place and now I was at the point of no return and had to install the new pump. Lucky I found some other tubing in my stash and got the new pump going.

So Murphy's Law, don't work on your tank when stores are closed or have plenty of back ups, LOL.

 

[Bogue Chitto]

Sometimes you can bump them on the floor or with a block of wood and they will start running again. I have had this happen many times over the years.

 

[tcoral]

Tried that last night too but it refused to restart and didn't want to tear it apart last night

 

[79chopperdr]

Found out that the tubing for the old Mag 3 was a little smaller than the outlet on the new pump.

One of my favorite tricks for this. Microwave a mug of water for a minute or two, soak the small tubing in the mug for 30-40 seconds. Then try it with the tubing warm. Most the common tubing we use in the hobby will stretch a good 1/4 inch.

 

[TigeBell]

One of my favorite tricks for this. Microwave a mug of water for a minute or two, soak the small tubing in the mug for 30-40 seconds. Then try it with the tubing warm. Most the common tubing we use in the hobby will stretch a good 1/4 inch.

I just used that method last weekend when I brought my bio-pellet reactor online and couldn't get the tubing onto the pumps and other PVC fittings. Worked perfectly too

 

[Saltwaternooby]

Yep i do that all the time.

 

[tcoral]

the tubing was getting brittle and needed to be changed anyway, I was just glad I had some extra.

 

[Shawn O]

I find it beneficial to cool the tubing after heating and stretching over a pipe, before applying water pressure to it. A little cold water on the warm tubing works nicely.

 

[hnnhflns]

Same rule applies for electrical work... or just tank work in general

 

[TigeBell]

Same rule applies for electrical work... or just tank work in general

Actually, don't do tank work after having a few beers. never works out they way you want it to afterwards.