Houston we have a problem

[Kjerde]

Last night something popped in my sump. The pump stopped working and there was plastic pieces in the sump. I left the tunze power head running and moved the heaters up top. The pump is under warranty so I can go this am and get another. How long can the tank go without pump/skimmer running? Also, how difficult is it to change over to a new pump? Does the tank have to be drained? Any help is appreciated.

 

[jgoodrich71]

As long as you have circulation in the tank, no worries. If it takes more than a few days, you may see things becoming unhappy, but it depends on the bioload of the tank. If thinks aren't looking well, just do a partial waterchange.

What kind of pump was it?

No need to drain the tank.

 

[Kjerde]

I'm not sure as the tank was set up by my lfs. I plan on getting a new pump today. How do you replace the pump without draining the water?

 

[Dubbin1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6738386#post6738386 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Kjerde
How do you replace the pump without draining the water?

You just take the old pump off and put the new one on. I don't understand why you think you need to drain the tank to replace the pump in your sump.

 

[Pandora]

I don't really understand either... or understand about the plastic pieces you found, did it actually physically break? Usually a pump won't spontaneously burst like that, though the engine can get stuck.

On draining the tank, don't you have an overflow of some sort? When the engine turns off, the last of the water should come over the overflow, and it should stop draining after that.

 

[Kjerde]

OK I know very little on how things work. Am learning with every accident. The pump is Turbo Sea made by Coralife. I don't know where the plastic pieces cam from. I think one of the pieces got sucked up into the pump. I do have an overflow so I understand now that water will not flow all over. What pump should I replaced this with?

 

[Lakeside518]

This is an in-sump return pump with vinyl return line/pipping?

Could use a Hyperflow or Eheim. That or a Magdrive will need to get a barb adaptor for it. All 3 are reliable

 

[Lakeside518]

Figure out your head loss on RC's front page!.. Must know your overflows flow rating ??? Do not oversize your return pump. Or will flood your tank and floor.