Mag 9 return - two dead in three months, why?

Well Ive been dosing with this method now since around February I think and I have tested with both salifet/elos for calcium and then salifter/hanna for alk. I haven't tested with separate kits recently but I have no reason to really believe that the kits are off. Its really weird that both these two power heads seized up on me on the exact same day, unless I didn't notice one was out from before..
 
One thing that might be at play here... About 3 weeks ago I did a complete rock swap due to some algae problems I had. At that time a LOT of debri was lifted and everything in the tank got covered in a 'dust'. Took some time for it to clear up but I am thinking that stuff settled into the pumps etc. That being said, I dont see evidence of it when I cleaned up the impellers today.
 
No the two pumps that seized yesterday are connected to power strip along with other things that didnt stop working. The return pump is connected to my apex EB8
 
Ok well now today my skimmer pump died on me, its a Sicce 2500 PSK. The skimmer is totally covered in calcium precipitate. Why do I have so much precipitation? Will post a pic shortly. Also both my Koralias stopped working again after I just cleaned them 8 days ago (see above post).

Im going crazy, especially since I am going on a 3 week vacation in the summer and do not trust my equipment in the least bit..
 
Here is the skimmer cone which you can see is completely covered.

photo-10.jpg
 
That is a crazy amount of precipitation. Something is VERY wrong with your chemistry. What is your mg level?
 
I started another thread in the chemistry forum. Mag was 1300 when I tested today and recently had added 20oz, so that would have put me at around 1225 prior to the 1300 I have now
 
I was going to suggest the chemestry forum. Hopefully they can help you figure this out.
 
Jim I would have your calcium and alk levels checked with another brand of test kits. 180 ml is a lot for your sized tank. Also, I have a spare oceanrunner 2500 if you want to see if it fits in your return chamber.
 
MarkGP said:
Jim I would have your calcium and alk levels checked with another brand of test kits. 180 ml is a lot for your sized tank. Also, I have a spare oceanrunner 2500 if you want to see if it fits in your return chamber.
Click to expand...

Mark from LC? Thanks for the offer but I do have a spare on hand so I am not running without my sump right now. I dont think its the pump I need to figure out why my CA is precipitating so much. Will try another test kit soon
 
jimrawr said:
Mark from LC? Thanks for the offer but I do have a spare on hand so I am not running without my sump right now. I dont think its the pump I need to figure out why my CA is precipitating so much. Will try another test kit soon
Click to expand...

Yep that's me! I'm in Bristol now. Let me know if you need anything.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

rrrrob
starting up again - reactor question
Replies
12
Views
103
griss
griss
Guygettnby
If not for bad luck...
2
Replies
21
Views
652
leebca
L
DjPhato
Water leak saver!
Replies
1
Views
223
Paul B
Paul B
Guygettnby
Nyos 220 on a 120g?
Replies
8
Views
428
Guygettnby
Guygettnby
S
Why do oversized protein skimmers not adequately remove protein from a tank?
Replies
12
Views
119
Paul B
Paul B
Back
Top