Need some help with skimmer problem.

[iggygrl76]

I have a Red Sea Prizm Deluxe hob skimmer.
I just got it in july and it has been out of commission for 2 months now.
I am really upset I have called where I got it and called red sea and have gotten no help.

The problem is the pump.
I took the pump out I cleaned it I cleaned the tube leading to it, I pulled the propeller out cleaned that and the area it came out from but it does not work correctly It spins like it should be working but it will not pull water up and into the skimmer. I really need the skimmer on my tank...and I dont know what to do to fix this issue.

I would bring it to the meeting saturday but I wont be able to make it I have an open house in my community I must attend.

 

[SeasonedReefer]

what kind of impeller is it? Pin wheel or something else?

 

[iggygrl76]

I believe its a pinwheel type it has the dark heavy magnetized part then a white circle that is made of of tongs i guess youd say that radiate our from the center.

 

[mojo~]

you may have to fill the skimmer with some water first to help prime it. these pumps are not positive displacement. They need to have a fluid media in them to help create a suction. i ll have to look atth design of it again but I am sure I can get it figured out. I could probably stop by sometime and look at it if you like.

 

[iggygrl76]

ive had water in it to do that and its just not pulling it through I might try it again....just to double check.

 

[SeasonedReefer]

Is it pulling air and producing bubbles? I know someone who had a similar problem with there skimmer and the impeller was shot. The Wheel part was cracked on the impeller shaft so the magantized portion spun normal but the wheel portion spun alot slower causeing it not to pull water and air as much as it normally would. I think it sounds like an impeller issue. The only reason I can say that is because I have seen it once before. But for sure let Jesse take a look at it he would know better than any one of us.