Skimmer possessed

[jfl14609]

Ok so I put a new (to me) aquaeuro skimmer in a week or so ago 8 days after I put it in both of the recirculating pumps are tripping my gfi outlet. I even went as far as to remove everything else on that circuit and boom as soon as I plug either of them in it trips. anyone have any idea what would cause them both to do this at the same time?
Also the part of the union at the skimmer is cracked does anyone know what the best type of glue to use is? I know weld on is the best but its not the easiest to get unless you want to spend 100 bucks on a minimum order. I tried silicone but it didn't really hold well as it doesn't adhere to acrylic

 

[davidpesce]

Sounds like a electrical short.

 

[jfl14609]

thats what I was thinking but its just weird its both of them

 

[davidpesce]

It's a long shot, but your GFCI circuit may be broken and those items just have enough draw to get it to trip.

Have you checked for any stray voltage in your water just before it trips?

 

[jfl14609]

i never checked but i also have all of my mh's and my return pump on this circuit. I would assume they would draw more than the two small recirc pumps. I tried plugging them in alone one at a time (meaning they were the only thing on that circuit) and bam as soon as I plugged either in it popped the gfci.

 

[davidpesce]

Yeah, I'd say it's definitely a short then. It does seem odd that it's on both of them and at the same time. Still under warranty?

 

[jfl14609]

Nah no warranty I am wondering if I just run it external if it will solve the problem

 

[spinoleo]

can you remove the pumps from the skimmer and then 1 at a time plug them in and see if they both trip then

 

[jfl14609]

i have already done one at a time but I havent removed them from the water. I am hoping to get the whole unit out and go through it today when I figure out some glue to use on it

 

[rjmayes34]

id use either some jb weld or some 5 minute epoxy! Both will adheire to mostly any material and will be water/air tight. and get some real fine sand paper and give it a quick,light sanding prior to gluing so you know you get the best bond possible!!!

Or even easier is the black "Seal Wrap,Repair Tape" its a black stretchable tape thats water tight. Got mine from wallmart,looks like electrical tape and holds great,its in the pluming section. no gluing or mess to deal with, stretch-and wrap and it bonds to itself-removable to if you need to in the future for any reason and ive had good luck with it so far. and thats only if the crack is in a spot you can use/wrap it. Just wanted to give you what i think are the best options. Good luck!!!!

 

[jfl14609]

Is any of that stuff reef safe

 

[rjmayes34]

you would have to use it out of the water (dry) then when the jb weld or 5 minute epoxy gets hards its a 100 percent solids so it would have no affect that i know of (like the Epoxy Cement for gluing rocks,same concept) it is a mollectular reaction (excuse my spelling,lol) so it should have no adverise affects on anything else....i would use it... as for the "seal wrap" tape i have that on my skimmer as we speak (had a break while rearranging my sump, so i used it on the hard plastic tube that goes from the pump to my skimmer) and that was the only thing i could think besides find and buy a new plastic piece and its had no ill effects and that going on two months now or so. works mint under pressure and all!!!!

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I've used plumber's putty ( I think it was JB brand) to repair a cracked skimmer line. It handles pressure well (doesn't leak) in an external situation.

 

[jfl14609]

I thought about that gary but I really want to have the option to run internally. I am researching the 5 minute epoxy and jb weld

 

[Dave VG]

Would love to have an update on your build?? I know it's been done for awhile but was wondering how things are going besides the skimmer problem. Any pictures?

 

[jfl14609]

SO far things are doing very well considering my maintenance or should I say lack of maint. so far no major issues and everything is doing well