Low periodic rumbling with skimmer

[Spudsly]

I bought a used Reef Octopus 3000 int skimmer and I'm just trying to set it up now. When I run the pump there's an intermittent low rumbling noise (and bubbles stop being fed to the skimmer. I tried to take a video of it here: https://youtu.be/sKhv6MlvrfE

Is this an issue with the pump or some other aspect of the skimmer? It's in slightly too deep water compared to the recommended depth (8 in vs 6.5in). Any recommendation?

 

[FullBoreReefer]

I bought a used Reef Octopus 3000 int skimmer and I'm just trying to set it up now. When I run the pump there's an intermittent low rumbling noise (and bubbles stop being fed to the skimmer. I tried to take a video of it here: https://youtu.be/sKhv6MlvrfE

Is this an issue with the pump or some other aspect of the skimmer? It's in slightly too deep water compared to the recommended depth (8 in vs 6.5in). Any recommendation?

Raise the skimmer to the correct depth.

 

[Spudsly]

I'll look for a way to raise it further, but I can get it up to 7" but the problem persists. If I then pull it up just a bit with my fingers the problem continues (though this isn't an ideal solution). I'll look for something else reef safe to shove under it.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Have you taken the pump apart? Could be a broken impeller shaft if the water level drops and rises.
If not, something is restricting the air flow, possibly at the volute.

 

[Spudsly]

When the bubbles stop and the sound starts the water level in the cone drops (or atleast the foam/bubble level, it's hard to see the water). I've been trying to get the pump off but hadn't had luck yet. I'll get serious about it and check it out.

 

[miroch]

My Reef Octopus use to do th when the pump got gummed up inside. Take the pump apart and give it a good vinegar bath. If that doesn't work then it's time for a new impeller.

 

[Pablos RSM 450]

I bought a used Reef Octopus 3000 int skimmer and I'm just trying to set it up now. When I run the pump there's an intermittent low rumbling noise (and bubbles stop being fed to the skimmer. I tried to take a video of it here: https://youtu.be/sKhv6MlvrfE

Is this an issue with the pump or some other aspect of the skimmer? It's in slightly too deep water compared to the recommended depth (8 in vs 6.5in). Any recommendation?

Check the venturi inlet it sometimes gets clogged also check the tubing and silencer for any obstructions. If none of those work completely disassemble check and reassemble. I have had the venturi inlet and filter clog before.

 

[Spudsly]

Thanks, I took it apart yesterday and it looked cleanish. I'll mess with the venturi tonight. Should I be able to see any damage on the impeller? Or is it the kind of thing that is very slight and difficult to see with the eye?

 

[homer1475]

Mine did the same thing!

What I found after pulling it apart, the magnet on the impeller was gummed up with calcium precip preventing the impeller from turning. Cleaned the impeller and inside the pump with vinegar and no issue since.

 

[Spudsly]

After taking the whole thing apart, putting it back together it ran beautifully for about a day, I unplugged it because it was overflowing like crazy and I didn't have time to rig something up to direct the overflow back to the tank.

However, now, when I plug it in, it's worse. It freezes more and for longer. I've been told it's probably the impeller but at $100 that's a decent price to pay for "probably". What are the chances it is something else like the motor malfunctioning or the housing being damaged? Is there a good way to diagnose those types of issues?