I HATE the pump that came w/Octo skimmer!!!!!

[Capt_Cully]

My SRO INT 3000 came with what ever piece of crap skimmer they use. It has on one occasion stopped inexplicably. But more importantly, when I plug it back in after weekly cleaning, more times than not, it doesn't restart. I gave it a 60 minute vinegar bath, whEn I didn't think it needed it, in the hope that it would do the trick. Nope!

Just spent no less than 30 minutes trying to get it started. Nothing. Tried starting it with my finger by spinning the needle wheel. Tried blowing water in there with rubber tubing. Tried rapping on the side of it. Nothing....

Left it for 20 minutes unPlugged while I contained and redirected my rage. Plugged it back in and...flooom! Started right up. Apparently this is common. It is certainly not the first episode I've had like this.

For over $500, it's definitely a BIG FLAW.

I tried inquiring about it in the many threads related to it on their page, to no avail. It's a shame too, because when it's functioning, the skimmer is fantastic.

 

[Randrew215]

I'm not pleased to hear this since this is the same skimmer/pump combo I've purchased for tank upgrade. You're referring to the bubble blaster pump?

 

[jcw]

but this skimmer "blows all others out of the water" and the others just utilize overpriced junk pond pumps.

I have a 1000sss on a 30g cube and do not like the smaller BB pump on there either.

You may have gotten a defective one though.

 

[cardiffgiant]

Good to know. I was looking at skimmers recently and thought the the octo's with the BB would be the way to go.

 

[Conesus_Kid]

If you haven't yet, try blowing air through the air tube (not water). I didn't see this on your list of attempted remedies and it will usually get my skimmer pumps started when they inexplicably won't restart.

 

[sneaton]

get a swc and call it a day....the askoll is amazing

 

[Willistein]

Cully, did you take apart the impeller completely? The ceramic rod that supports the impeller on mine will eventually get coated with calcium and then starting is intermittent. I'm sure you did, just a thought.

 

[jfl14609]

just shoot them a pm i had a issue once and they sent me a new pump

 

[Capt_Cully]

Did not take off the cover plate. I could reach through and easily spin the needle wheele with my finger, so I know it's not heavily hunker up or corroded. My problem is that I bought the skimmer like 18 months ago, but I've only been using it for about 9 months.

I jumped in on another thread with similar complaints. They want the serial number for the pump. I'm not getting wet again today. They can wait til next week. This really is a shame. Once it's running the skimmer is s beast!

If they will replace the pump all will be forgiven.

 

[jfl14609]

yeah they wanted all that from me too I think the pumps have a three year warranty. if they give you any hassle I will beat them for you

 

[pascal32]

I believe the bubble blaster pump has a 3 year warranty. For what it's worth my 3000XP external has been running great

read here on how a guy fixed his, about 1/2 way down the page:

http://www.hamzasreef.com/Contents/Articles/SuperReefOctopus2000/