Tunze 6100 connections

[artful13dodger]

(this was originally posted in equipment forum, and was recommended to move here)

Greetings,

On both my Tunze 6100's the connections are very skittish. I have to toy with them painstakingly to get them to run, and then set the driver down just so in order to keep it running.

I'm still very new at this (check the post count...), though the equipment has been in use for perhaps a few years. Anyway, I'm wondering if these have seen their last (really hope not, just dropped a bundle on the tank and need a month buffer to refill the coffers...).

Or, can I (a very layman) disassemble and clean, or strip back the wires a little and redo the connection endings, or do anything else to keep these going without have to constantly check if they're actually running.

If you're giving me the bad news (they're gone), any recommendations on replacement powerheads for a 120G SPS / 37G sump setup? It's very bare currently, just started, no fish yet, but will be SPS dominated reef tank. Also, there is a third, much weaker powerhead running at all times, if that factors in.

Thanks all.

 

[rvitko]

While I have replaced these connectors before, it is a labor intensive process and requires some special tools, you would need a pin extractor/insertion tool and a crimping tool. Fry's has them and they aren't expensive. I would first check for corrosion or a pin loose in the connector and see if you can't just clean it with emery cloth and contact cleaner and reposition any loose pins.

My honest assessment is the labor involved is not worthwhile, it will take 2-3 hours to do right and that is if the female socket doesn't need replacement, if that is bad you need solder wick and a good iron and have to hope the contact points aren't corroded to a point where the new part won't properly solder in.

You can get a discounted upgrade and given the age, you may do all this work just to have them fail in 6-12 months anyway.

 

[artful13dodger]

Hi Roger,

What is the deal on the upgrade? I have three 6100's, two of them are shot now. The other is still kicking.

 

[artful13dodger]

I should also ask, is there a repair option where I can send one or both of the faulty 6100s in to get a quote on repair?

Sorry to hit you with another question right away while I had another pending here... but someone mentioned that Tunze might be able to repair for a fee.

Thanks Roger.

 

[rvitko]

In general we start by trying to fix what you have but this ability is constrained by spare parts, the motor is no longer made and for drivers and power supplies, used is the only option. The other option is part 6100.015 on tunze.com, this is a retrofit kit to upgrade to a 6105, since the pump has no parts in common it is essentially a complete replacement and only differs from a 6105 bought new from a dealer in that it includes no magnet holder and instead includes an adapter clamp to fit an older rail or magnet holder.

 

[artful13dodger]

Thanks Roger. I opened up the driver box, it looks like the female safety connection separated from the circuit board, and the piece very easily came off. I actually have this problem in a second driver as well (2 of my 3 are like this, the last is up and running).

Based on my very limited assessment, I think don't think it would need a spare part, but someone more handy than me with a soldering iron. Is this something the local computer repair guy could solder back in, or would you recommend sending them in to Tunze (and if so, what is the procedure?)?

I tried taking a few pictures, but iPhoto not letting me upload them now...

Thanks Roger.

 

[rvitko]

I generally don't do this type of repair, it just takes more time than it is worth. However, I have a good used driver, this would be a cheaper option then repairing what you have. $40.

 

[artful13dodger]

I'll take it!

Thanks Roger. I'll PM my address. Paypal?