Help with Tunze 3130/2 in Reefpack 500

[tonyespinoza]

I recently purchased a used Reefpack 500 with a 3130 and just got it running...

The 3166 is medium-loud and the 3130/2 is unusably loud...

I've disassembled and reassembled based on the annual cleaning instructions twice. I've tried tightening the brackets. Is there anything else I can try? Do you think it needs new bearings? What parts should I order to try and get it back to original condition?

I purchased this as a trial to run on a smaller tank in preparation for a larger 225g system running a 9020 with 3166. wondering if the 9020 runs this loudly... seems it must run twice as loud...

How loudly should these older reefpacks run? and 9020's?

As always, thanks for all the help!

 

[tonyespinoza]

Update - I removed the pump (1600/2) from the 3166 and dis/reassembled the drive components. The bearing (ring?) had a couple of tiny nicks in it, but that's the only issue I observed. Upon reassembly the unit is sufficiently quiet! (Measures about 58 db up close and < 50 a foot away.)

I did the same thing with the skimmer pump this morning, but it didn't help. Any guidance on servicing the skimmer would be appreciated. It's currently running at over 68 db. (Above conversation level.)

Also, is it possible to send non-warranty items in for a checkup/tune-up? If so, how much would that cost for this reefpack?

-tE

 

[tonyespinoza]

I shot a short 4 sec video to show the skimmer/noise. I have a feeling you'll know just what the issue is... the osmolator and 3166 are working beautifully now... all that remains is getting the skimmer quieted down.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE8gNnPYT8w

 

[tonyespinoza]

I got in touch with the original owner (not the guy I bought it from, but the guy he bought it from ). He was kind enough to take a look at the video. I took his advice and reseated all the airline assembly (not sure what it's called). This has definitely helped -- it now sounds more like a hiss than a slurp.

Any reference point for how loud it should be? I wanna make sure my expectations aren't too high. (Decibel level would be nice, but I'll take what I can get. Desktop PC or Laptop? Weed wacker or lawn mower? Refrigerator or washing machine? )

-tE

 

[tonyespinoza]

Okay - this is really embarassing to admit, but hey, we were all new once, right?

I was running the skimmer in fresh water (as a test) -- didn't realize how much of a difference it would make in salt water. Running SW now and it's fine. Not super quiet, but fine.

Sorry for the thread -- I'm actually glad I didn't waste any of Roger's time on it since it was a weekend!

-tE

 

[rvitko]

No problem Tony, the skimmer should only make a subtle hiss. If it makes more noise than that it is probably submerged a bit to deep. Give it some time to run in, it could just be water in the silencer system from the test/set up.