Skimmer died should I stop biopellets

[becketd]

Came home to a dead pump on my skimmer and I'm running biopellets to it. Should I reduce pellets and run a small amount just to keep some bacteria alive. My concern is oxygen levels in the tank or would it be best to just turn it completely off. Thanks

 

[mjstech]

I don't have experience with bio pellet. But is this a sumped system? If so I would guess it is fine. Have you tried cleaning pump with vinegar?

 

[becketd]

Yes. I have a sump and I did try to clean the pump. The wheel inside the pump seems to move around however when I point the pump up the wheel falls back and spins. The prb is I can't run it like this. I believe it's under warranty. Lastnight I did take out about half the pellets and left that run. I know I'll loose the bacteria grow I had going but I figured that it would be better then having it consume all the oxygen. What really stinks is I litteraly added three new fish right before the pump broke