needlewheel help if you can

[Vanman]

Hello. I have the pci 2000 skimmer and the SL-6530 sealine needlewheel pump which is like a octo 3000 pump I think. What the problem is is the pump just almost quits when I connect the venturi air line to the intake. If I disconnect the airline it pumps water like mad but as soon as I get the air line near the intake the pump rattles and goes from pumping water like mad to barely any at all. If I put my finger on the intake without the airline it really sucks hard. It was skimming awesome for a year. It had the mesh mod and all was good then it quit working so I removed the mesh thinking that was the problem.

What would make it cavitate and rattle when air is added? If you had this skimmer what pump would you replace the one I have with?

Thanks for your time today!!

Jay

 

[THE ROOK]

Sounds like the airline has a blockage. Salt creep will cut down the flow. Run some warm water thru it.

 

[firsthesitation]

Definately sounds like it could be a blockage. Or perhaps its time for the skimmer to come out of the sump and get a good vinegar cleaning.

 

[Vanman]

I have had the pump out 3 or 4 times taking it apart. New airline added. It pumps water like mad without the airline attached then when the airline is added it cavitates and rattles.

Jay

 

[Alaskan Reefer]

I don't know how you would go about getting one, but my Eheim 1262 pinwheel I got to upgrade my Euroreef is flipping amazing... Not sure if they sell the pump to anyone but original ER owners though.