Why is my Little Giant pump running Loud??

[tanktoyman]

I have 3 external Little Giant pumps on my 225 gallon setup and my main return pump is running very loud. Has anyone else ever had this kind of problem or know how to fix it.

 

[scaryperson27]

Describe the sound? Tell where on the pump it is coming from? The motor? What part of the motor?

 

[jayk198030]

try cleaning it. maybe magnetic impeller is bad. have u done anything to it recently?

 

[reefD]

as long as the pump isnt being restricted on its output side its should be running fine. like with all equip other vibrations may be to blame. as long as the pumps are not restricted on output side its fine ...plumbing noise can be an issue but as far as long as its equip properly sound isnt a sign of malfuction just head ache for u and me. hope that helps...3 pumps of the same brand malfunctioning isnt likly...most likly they are running loud but running properly.

 

[reefD]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14922978#post14922978 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scaryperson27
Describe the sound? Tell where on the pump it is coming from? The motor? What part of the motor?

yes ...helps alot to ensure we are properly answering ur question

 

[91yota]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14923716#post14923716 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefD
as long as the pump isnt being restricted on its output side its should be running fine. like with all equip other vibrations may be to blame. as long as the pumps are not restricted on output side its fine ...plumbing noise can be an issue but as far as long as its equip properly sound isnt a sign of malfuction just head ache for u and me. hope that helps...3 pumps of the same brand malfunctioning isnt likly...most likly they are running loud but running properly.

i hope you mean on the input side of the pump... you do realize that you can restrict the output of a pump significantly without a problem, right?

my guess is that these pumps need to be cleaned... probably have a bunch of microfauna collected in the volutes that needs to be cleaned out

 

[Dave & Monica]

Little giants need regular oil in the little yellow holes at the top. I oil mine once every other week. I agree with the cleaning but know if your overhead distance is half or more of what they recommend, it makes a lot more noise. Reeflow makes great pumps that are quiet. I'd visit other folks in your area to compare noise.

 

[kb27973]

Yeah, I've used Little Giant pumps for years. Came with my Lifereef sump/skimmer. They are good pumps but they just run loud. When I bought a replacement Little Giant skimmer pump I was hoping it would be quieter but no go. They both had a rattling sound from day one.

Ken

 

[tanktoyman]

Well I Just got this aquarium used about a month ago and I did put some oil in the pumps when I got it, but maybe not enough. I just put some more oil in the one making all the noise and it is now a lot quieter but you can still here it over everything else. The noise sounds like a constant humming. I think it is coming from the front where the impeller is at, but I am not for sure. I added a bunch of oil to it and I don’t think it ever got completely full. Do you have to add the oil to it until it stops going in the hole? Could it be it needs a new impeller?