Osmolator

[mouscacha]

The pump to my osmolator doesn't work. If I turn the pump upside down it will turn on, but it's not powerful enough to get much water through the line. When I turn it right side up it just stops. Help!!!

 

[rvitko]

How far are you pumping and what is the head height the pump must pump up? Double check that the hose is not pinched or clogged, this problem would typically be caused by a trapped air bubble and a line obstruction or too much head pressure would be the usual causes, you might also need to let it run longer while upside down.

 

[mouscacha]

It pumps up the height of a 35g brute, then straight to the tank. I checked to make sure the hose wasn't clogged and hooked up an aqua lifter, which worked fine. I just can't control the aqua lifter right now.

Once I put the osmolator pump upside down under the water, it couldnt push a lot of water out. It normally shoots out, but this one almost dripped out. Not to mention it wouldnt stay upside down without holding onto it.

 

[rvitko]

These pumps are readily available from most dealers, it does sound like the pump has died, I am not sure how old it is. They do typically last only 1.5-3 years and a replacement is inexpensive, about $22. The warranty is 2 years, if you send it in I will replace it as soon as we get more pumps in stock. Almost all of our dealers stock this spare part, it is part number 5000.020.

 

[mouscacha]

Thanks. Wish there was a way to get into the pump and fix it!

 

[rvitko]

There isn't, like most bilge type pumps it is just a DC brush motor like you might buy at Radio Shack for a science project that is sealed with orings, opening it destroys the pump.