how to prime submersible pump?

[tynee]

I have been toying with a refugium i built. I placed my skimmer inside, turned everything on, and it worked, but the return line from the aquarium was dumping copious amounts of bubbles into my skimmer section. Later, I found the submersible skimmer pump was running, but the flow was exceedingly weak (assumed too much air became trapped in the pump). What is the best way to get the pump working again? this has happened once before, and upon moving the pump around under water, then plugging it back in, it worked. Not now, it is just weakly trickling out of the skimmer. Very frustrated. Thanks for your help.

 

[WaterKeeper]

Submersibles should be self priming. Is there a intake above the water level?

 

[hmello@bermexin]

Could it be running backward. Turn it off and on a few times and see if that helps

 

[papagimp]

try taking the cover off and checking the impellar for buildup. My skimmer does the same thing when it's pump is dirty and clogged.
I don't know what kind of pump you have there, but all the ones I've taken apart and looked at, there really isn't alot of room for air to bulid up and get trapped, sounds more like an impellar or motor issue to me.

 

[tynee]

thanks!

thanks!

I'll try these ideas tomorrow, and post what i find. i have tried turning it on and off, that had worked previously, but not this time... yet.

 

[drummereef]

What brand/make/model pump do you have?

 

[tynee]

i'll check tonight and let you know.