About to give up!

V

volunteerguy

New member
So everything was going great...just did some aquascaping on the tank and then boom.

The return pump starts making an odd noise this morning. I pulled it out to find a piece of shell embedded in the impeller. Pulled it out and reinstalled the pump. Now I have millions of microbubbles from what I assume is air getting into the system.

I have pulled the pump out, reinstalled it a couple of times. Checked connections. Nothing.

At this point, I am close to giving up and selling off the whole system. Anyhow, I am off to Hooligan's to watch FIU play Penn State. Maybe i'll get some rest and attempt to tackle it this afternoon.

If not, watch for a 120 reef up on the boards tomorrow!
 
never give up. just check the seals on the pump and try again. in 24 yrs I have only partially given up once and really disgusted once.
one was a battle with hair algea for over a year... threw out all my live rock and started over. and the second was after wilma when my tank almost nuked
 
Is the pump sucking up air? Maybe add a micron filter sock to your sump. Don't give up just like that. You have alot of people that would come to your house free of charge just to help. Thats one of the good things about being in a club.

-Matthew
 
Looks like i'm going to have to replace my panworld pump as I can't get it to seal properly.

I've thought about redoing the entire plumbing just to be sure there aren't any cracks that are not visible causing the microbubbles.

Anyone have thoughts or opinions?

Matt, I emailed you. Thanks for the offer.
 
Could be..it's certainly noisier then before although it didnt't look damaged when I pulled it apart and inspected it. another reason to replace the pump.

Any LFS you all recommend for a new pump?
 
Lesson learned?

Use an intake that will not allow critters into the pump. Even if it means more maintenance on your part to keep the sponge/strainer clean and not become a nitrate factory.
 
Sean, I would be more than happy to throw you a hand if you need it. I would just buy another pump (maybe an iwaki or little giant) and that might solve your problem. Also, put a strainer on the intake and that will resolve any critters getting in the pump. Gimme a call Sean 3053429597 and dont give up.


Eddy
 
i don't know if you can use it but i have a mag 3 maybe you can use as a big powerhead if you need some flow until you get pump
 
i'm pretty sure house of fins carries little giant pumps, maybe they have a spare pump that you can as a loaner.

maybe someone on the boards has a pump that they can loan you until you get the one you want. what size intake and outlet do you need? at least you won't be limited to what they have in the lfs.
 
i picked up the iwaki...it fit perfectly in the space and i didnt have to retool my plumbing that much. working perfectly.

i'm making another trip for the back-up pump and this week steve is coming by for an estimate on fixing the electrical work.

i'm hoping this is the last of my dilemmas for a while as well as expenses!
 
Thanks Lou...I still have rework one of the unions that I think is off-center and causing some microbubbles but not to the level they were last night.

I'm still not convinced that i'll be able to fix it entirely so i've at least started to consider options, ie. selling off the 120 for a red sea max.

More to come tomorrow after a trip to home depot!
 
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