Help with return pump!!!!!!
- Thread starter gemmy
- Start date
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
bump
2quills
Well-Known Member
If it's a new pump or has been sitting dry for a while then it will need to be primed manually for the first time. Once it's primed the first time you don't have to worry about it after that. If the pump is old and hasn't been ran then the usual drill of taking apart and cleaning, soaking in vinegar might help if it's seized. If so you should be able to feel the pump get warm/hot when plugged in. And if that's not the case I'd be looking at the panel or outlet it's plugged into.
gemmy
Active Member
Here's the whole story of what happened. The fish system that I am referring to is the one at my work. It has 63 tanks plumbed into the system. There are 2 sumps that consist of 3 pumps. 2 of the pumps pump water into the aquariums and the other pumps water into the bio balls and fluidized bedding chambers. On Friday, two associates approached me about low water flow to about some of the tanks. The system has snail issues and we thought that cleaning the loc lines would fix the issue. So, we turned both sump systems off and did some maintenance. When it came to put the systems back online, we ran into a few problems. The main one (which is still going on) is that one of the pumps that feeds water into the fish tanks won't come back online. The pump was not warm and did not have the vibrations the other one had. The other pump came back online with no issues. My first thought was check the breakers. One was tripped and I fixed that. Tried the pump again and it was nothing. My next thought was to plug the pump into an outlet I knew was working. I did and the pump kicked on but it was making a loud whirring noise. Then, it shut off completely and I have not been able to get it turned on. I have been simmering on what could be the issue and I am thinking that since the water flow was poor to begin with, that the pump was on its last leg and just finally died. Any other thoughts (other than don't let me work on your system)?
2quills
Well-Known Member
So you didn't actually remove the pumps from the system you just turned them off to clean the loc lines and stuff? The other pumps are running ok? The whirling sound makes me think the pump is trying to prime itself but may need some help if it lost it's initial prime. But if you didn't actually remove the pump where it could have dried out then that's probably not it. Could very well be ready to be replaced.
gemmy
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///t/388519/help-with-return-pump#post_3426709
So you didn't actually remove the pumps from the system you just turned them off to clean the loc lines and stuff? The other pumps are running ok? The whirling sound makes me think the pump is trying to prime itself but may need some help if it lost it's initial prime. But if you didn't actually remove the pump where it could have dried out then that's probably not it. Could very well be ready to be replaced.
The pump remained in the sump and the sump did drain a good bit of water out and it's possible it could have lost it's prime (I just don't see it being probable). I'll take some pics or maybe a video tomorrow of what exactly I am working with when it comes to this system.
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///t/388519/help-with-return-pump#post_3426709
So you didn't actually remove the pumps from the system you just turned them off to clean the loc lines and stuff? The other pumps are running ok? The whirling sound makes me think the pump is trying to prime itself but may need some help if it lost it's initial prime. But if you didn't actually remove the pump where it could have dried out then that's probably not it. Could very well be ready to be replaced.
The pump remained in the sump and the sump did drain a good bit of water out and it's possible it could have lost it's prime (I just don't see it being probable). I'll take some pics or maybe a video tomorrow of what exactly I am working with when it comes to this system.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Gemmy, you work at a Lfs? Or wholesaler? ?? Pm me if you don't wanna post the answer.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Interesting.
Why and how does everyone else have these cool fishy jobs and I'm stuck being a taxidermist? Hmmm??? Not fair.
Why and how does everyone else have these cool fishy jobs and I'm stuck being a taxidermist? Hmmm??? Not fair.
acrylic51
Active Member
Did a quick search a Danner pump.....Those seem more geared towards ponds, but what the heck.....Is there anyway you can remove the top grating to check the impeller area? I'd probably try soaking it in hot water and vinegar....Maybe it's just bound up pretty good, since you've noted a low flow with the pump previously?????? Low flow could also mean issue with the impeller itself as well.....
gemmy
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/388519/help-with-return-pump#post_3426742
Interesting.
Why and how does everyone else have these cool fishy jobs and I'm stuck being a taxidermist? Hmmm??? Not fair.
You're going to really hate me. I did not want to work in the fish department when I started or with the other pets that I was responsible for. I originally applied for a manager position in the boarding facility, but they had filled the position before I got in for an interview. They liked me and wanted to bring me aboard as a part time associate in the pet care department since I could work mornings. I learned about fish while working in the department and was promoted to manager in 6 months. It was the best move I made and 5 years later I am still happy working with the company. I have grand opened 3 stores and been promoted 3 times.
Quote:
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///t/388519/help-with-return-pump#post_3427000
Are the plumbing lines hard pvc or vinyl tubing?
It's vinyl tubing. Here's the pic:
It's plumbed into a check valve that leads to the tubing.
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/388519/help-with-return-pump#post_3426742
Interesting.
Why and how does everyone else have these cool fishy jobs and I'm stuck being a taxidermist? Hmmm??? Not fair.
You're going to really hate me. I did not want to work in the fish department when I started or with the other pets that I was responsible for. I originally applied for a manager position in the boarding facility, but they had filled the position before I got in for an interview. They liked me and wanted to bring me aboard as a part time associate in the pet care department since I could work mornings. I learned about fish while working in the department and was promoted to manager in 6 months. It was the best move I made and 5 years later I am still happy working with the company. I have grand opened 3 stores and been promoted 3 times.
Quote:
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///t/388519/help-with-return-pump#post_3427000
Are the plumbing lines hard pvc or vinyl tubing?
It's vinyl tubing. Here's the pic:
It's plumbed into a check valve that leads to the tubing.