Advice on dead skimmer pumps

[abank]

Ok, so i have a 75g fowlr tank and was using a reef octopus dual HOB skimmer and had 3 pumps die on me before i decided to stop spending $$ on replacement pumps. Loved the skimmer, hated the pumps, so now its stitting next to my single cpr skimmer that has a dead pump too.

I decided to upgrade and put in a sump and got a used red sea berlin x2 in sump skimmer which worked for all of three weeks and now thats dead. In between i replaced my powerstrip thinking maybe that played into it.

So what do u guys think... Anyone else have these issues... Chalk it up to buy cheap get cheap?

I find it interesting too that you can spend hundreds of dollars on essentially glued plastic for the skimmer but the most important, heavily used piece with moving parts cost a fraction. Anyway...

Anyone have an extra skimmer? Or any recommendations on a skimmer that would fit under a tank in a sump that wont break the bank?

Thanks!!

 

[mbg75]

Sounds like you have something else going on destroying the pumps.

Is the CPR a backpack? I replaced the pump on one I had years ago with a rio.

 

[abank]

It is a backpak, but thats a single and i could use it but i have small triggers and ultimately would like a stronger skimmer and one thats in sump.

I know right - i cant figure out what it could be killing these pumps - i do have other things plugged into the same powerstrip and theyre fine...

 

[Usernam Invalid]

If u have a multimeter or buy a cheap one at HD check ur voltage from outlet. Low voltage or fluctuations in voltage could be burning the pumps up. How often do you clean the pumps? If letting go for a long time between cleanings could be overheating the motor block.

 

[abank]

Thanks username, excellent suggestion, i look into that. Although it only seems to be the skimmer pumps and not the sump return pump, but maybe they have different requirments...

 

[username in use]

You bought the skimmer used correct? Have you taken the impeller/magnet assembly out to look at it? Does it spin in the pump if you try to turn it with your finger or a stick? I had a vertex stop working and it turned out the magnet had swollen and cracked and was jamming it. There aren't many moving parts to these pumps, so even if it's not working, it's just a matter of figuring out which part is stopping it.

 

[abank]

Thanks Joshua, good suggestion - all of the dead pumps have normal looking magnets and impellers. I get zero response when i plug the pumps in... I checked the volts with a meter in several outlets and they all read the same about 120... Perplexing.

 

[username in use]

I assume you have tried outlets in other areas of the house? It seems strange for multiple motors to have the actual block go bad.

Have you soaked all the parts in vinegar?

Tried to start the motor without the front cover on? It could be binding.