Wavebox

[IReefer madness]

Roger,
I have a wavebox that has been up and running about 3-4 months. I am trying to figure out why I get an alarm shut off about once a week that shuts the unit down. I have cleaned the entire unit each time it shuts down but IMHO it is not dirty and no calcium buildup has been observed. However, each time I dissasemble and reassemble the box will work for about another week. What am I doing wrong? Should I not be able to expect the box to run for 3-6 months without a problem?
I have a DAS 125 with Ca at 420, alk at 9, mg at 1300 and I keep the tank at 77 degrees +/- 1.

 

[rvitko]

It sounds like the upper bearing is stuck to the magnet or the hole in the center of the magnet is plugged with lime- see the stickied thread on alamrs and cleaning at the top of the forum.

 

[Jar*Head]

Do you have any snail or hermit crawling into the wavebox. Do you install the screen into the pump? My friend has the same problem with the alarm going off twice and he found a snail stucking inside.

 

[IReefer madness]

there has been no evidence of snails or critters entering the box. There is no lime buildup on any of the parts and the hole is clear. I will check the upper bearing to see if it is stuck to the motor..

 

[rvitko]

The upper bearing is often stuck to the magnet- people think it is one part and I meant the hole that runs through the center of the prop/magnet assembly. This is often ignored and if water can't get through it the pump doesn't work very well.

 

[IReefer madness]

Roger,
it must be the upper bearing. the hole through the magnet assembly is like new. I have soaked the entire propeller/magnet assembly in vinegar/Ro once a week for the past 4 weeks and suspect the upper bearing is stuck since I dont remember the part as being seperate. I will check when I get off work today. Thanks for the prompt replies...

 

[IReefer madness]

Roger,
Upon another inspection of the pump I have noticed that I cannot remove the upper bearing. It is stuck in the bottom of the pump. I have tried to remove it with the provided plastic screw that is provided with the mounting device and it seems to be stuck. I did notice that I have tiny rubber shavings that have accumulated on the bottom portion of the magnet device when pulled out. The hole going through the center of the magnet/propeller is clear of lime and no lime is present. Is there another way to remove the upper bearing from the pump assembly without damaging it?

 

[rvitko]

The manual shows using a wood screw, I use a pick tool. The wood screw works fine, you just thread it in and pull up. I don't know what the shavings could be from?