I need some Protein Skimmer help!!!!

[Scudd]

I have a 4-5 year old Euro-Reef Skimmer thats similar to the RS-80. Well, the pump has quit working. I cleaned it out, let it soak in Vinegar and water, but still nothing.....it still sticks. I can get it to run without the housing cover, but as soon as I cover it up, the unit sticks. The pump is made by Dolphin pumps and it looks like no one carries them anymore.
I checked Euro-reef's web site and they carry a complete impeller assembly for my pump for $55 dollars. Do you think this will fix the problem, or would I be better off getting a new skimmer?
How long do you guys think the tank can run without the skimmer? Its a 92 reef with a lot or SPS and LPS corals?

 

[navchapdoc]

It is funny you should bring this up. i also have a euroreef skimmer. I am not sure of what model cause I bought it with the tank, its is good size though, skims my 150. Anyway, I have gone through two pumps in about a years time with the same symptoms you have. What I figured out is whenever I get brief power spike/interuption the skimmer motor would not reset and the impeller would just sit idle in there with the magnetic field still active. I dont know the physics of it, but if it sits like that long enough (ABOUT 2-3 HOURS) it will ruin the motor nd the impeller. You will not solve anything by replacing your iimpeller, trust me. I dont know where you are located but I am in St Pete, FL. I have been dealing with a guy in my area for a while now on my reef stuff, he was able to get me a aftermarket complete pump for around 50 bucks that is working well. Let me know if you would like his contact info I am pretty sure he could ship one to you.
John
NAVCHAPDOC@HOTMAIL.COM