Tunze Skimmer

[kattegat]

I bought a house this past March and with it came a reef tank setup, which included what appears to be a Tunze DOC Skimmer 9410. I don't know how old it is. It has been functioning ok but always been a little loud, but not unbearable. However, this weekend it's been getting louder and louder and now can be heard all throughout the house and is definitely not normal. I took it all apart and washed everything, refit hose connections, and took out and cleaned the impeller-magnet-rod thing. When I plugged it back in it was really quiet for about 5min (and I felt awesome) but then it started the really loud noise again (bummed).

Do these types of pumps go bad over time? Is this normal?

 

[rvitko]

The impellers do wear over some years. Usually the cause will be chips in the shaft, broken needles, a bushing that is not seated (this is the most important, the bushing is the red rubber "hat" with the ceramic sleeve inside (2 of them), these need to be fully pushed into the motor and top cover, the impeller will not work to do this, it has to be pushed in with a dowel, pen or other blunt tool) or possibly the red rubber sleeve is torn. Usually it is just an impeller issue. It can be a motor if the motor ever ran dry.

 

[kattegat]

The impellers do wear over some years. Usually the cause will be chips in the shaft, broken needles, a bushing that is not seated (this is the most important, the bushing is the red rubber "hat" with the ceramic sleeve inside (2 of them), these need to be fully pushed into the motor and top cover, the impeller will not work to do this, it has to be pushed in with a dowel, pen or other blunt tool) or possibly the red rubber sleeve is torn. Usually it is just an impeller issue. It can be a motor if the motor ever ran dry.

Ok, thank you so much for the reply, rvitko. I'll have a look at he impeller and see if I can make some adjustments.

 

[rvitko]

Keep me posted.

 

[Joe's Coral Reef]

Tunze, also sells replacement parts online. I picked up a new impeller for mine it was $12 bucks.

 

[Jsarrow]

I bought a house this past March and with it came a reef tank setup, which included what appears to be a Tunze DOC Skimmer 9410. I don't know how old it is. It has been functioning ok but always been a little loud, but not unbearable. However, this weekend it's been getting louder and louder and now can be heard all throughout the house and is definitely not normal. I took it all apart and washed everything, refit hose connections, and took out and cleaned the impeller-magnet-rod thing. When I plugged it back in it was really quiet for about 5min (and I felt awesome) but then it started the really loud noise again (bummed).

Do these types of pumps go bad over time? Is this normal?

I had one of these for about 5 years with mo problems, maybe lithium grease on the shaft would help.

 

[rvitko]

I wouldn't use lithium grease, it is not likely aquarium safe as it would contain lithium stearate and heavy petroleum oil. Water should be the lubrication, if anything you could try food safe silicon grease or a small amount of vaseline, but usually the issue is insufficient cleaning causing a bearing to drag or seize (calcium carbonate build up).

 

[Amateur_Reefer]

I want to use this as an internal skimmer. Is there a filter/skimmer cabinet I can use? Do I need to use the hydrofoamer and post filter bag?

 

[rvitko]

I don't see that working well due to splash and bubble production as well as the size. The 9012 is the in tank equivalent model. It could be done but I think it would be awkward and unsightly. You have to use the hydrofoamer as that is what feeds the water and air, you could omit the filter bag but bubbles will be a big issue.