9005 stops working...

[bromanzier]

I bought the 9005 and the extension set from a major online retailer, and the skimmer that was sent was clearly an open box item with a broken pump nozzle. I notified the guys from Tunze and they were MOST helpful in sending me a brand new 9005.

However, my problem is after running this skimmer in my sump for a couple of weeks, I have taken the skimmer out, disassembled, and reassembled the skimmer at least 5 times... which is NOT FUN. This seems to be the only way to get the skimmer "working" again. Everything seems fine, then I come home from work and the pump is making a loud noise and no water is being discharged from the extension tube.

Any ideas on what is causing my 9005 to suddenly stop working?

 

[rvitko]

It sounds like it is running dry or the bush bearing has slipped loose and is jamming the brakes on the impeller. If you look at the motor break down in your manual, look at part 3000.62, it is possible it is not pushed in all the way and this is hanging up the motor.

When it is running, does water exit the pipe?

 

[rvitko]

Also, what is the water level in the sump?

 

[bromanzier]

When it is running water does exit the pipe... but the foam created seems very low in the collection cup neck. The water level inside the sump is around 6-7 inches. I was under the impression that with the extension set, this water level was acceptable?

I spent the extra money on the Tunze because I didnt want to deal with these issues

 

[rvitko]

It sounds like everything is set up correct, I am sorry for the problems but sometimes parts slip or move in shipping, I would check that bearing bush, the only other culprit that comes to mind would be low voltage, I have seen it happen where a circuit in an older house is just tapped to the limit, if the voltage is below 110 the pump has starting problems.

I cannot answer for why the skimmer you returned had an open box but if it is worth anything in piece of mind it was not used and you really only needed a 3130.13 suction housing, that was the only broken part. Sometimes these things are roughly handled and a part breaks in transit.

 

[bromanzier]

The open box skimmer was not used, you are correct, because it could not be used... I assume thats why it was sent back the housing was broken off completely from of the pump.

When the water stops coming out of the extension tube, the pump is still relatively quiet, its only after I touch the skimmer does the pump start to make the loud noise. Also, 9010.400 does not seat flush once 9010.300 is attached to the skimmer housing, as if the pump is crooked and casuing 9010.400 to be crooked (don't know if that is helpful/relevant).

I will check on the bearing bush when I get home... I soon will be an expert on tunze skimmer assembly.

 

[rvitko]

From my experience it is easiest to insert 9010.30 into 9010.40 and with the bottom cover off the skimmer so you can see how the pump lines up, insert the pump into 9010.30. This way you can manipulate the pump to guide it in. Keep me posted, I leave for Germany Saturday but Rodney will be here and we will do what we need to to get you set up.

 

[bromanzier]

3:00a.m. â€"œ Loud, hollow crackling noise from the fish tank… you know what that means! About twice a week, I get home from work and am welcomed by this same noise. I can remove the entire unit without spilling a drop of water, disassemble and reassemble with near F1 pit crew precision (practice makes perfect) … but now it is keeping me up at night? Buh bye.

Tunze is a great company, and the people I have delt with have been more that helpful with the two 9005’s that I have tried on my system. However, I just cant see how the near $400 price tag for this product can be justified.

As I do not expect to receive any sort of refund from Tunze, this product will be filed in the closet next top all the other mistakes I have made in this hobby.

 

[rvitko]

Would you be willing to give us another chance? We sent a brand new 9005 in box, it is possible something was wrong, if you send it back, I will be happy to go over it completely and change out anything it needs.

 

[bromanzier]

That is very generous of you, and like I said before, you guys have been more than helpful trying to work with me to get this issue resolved. However, I have already gone through the hassle of boxing up a "new" 9005 and shipping it to you on my dime, I think i'm just going to cut my losses and go in another direction.

 

[rvitko]

OK, how about this, I will send a return label to you by email if you PM me your email and address. Your experience is not the norm and I would like a chance to make it right. If you could include the sump kit so I can send it back assembled that would be ideal.