I need Skimmer help

[flower]

My reef octopus 1000sss cone skimmer's pump has stopped working.
I tried finding out what pump it is so I can replace it. It just says bubble blaster pump when I look up the skimmer....I get skimmer sites when I try and just look up parts....can anyone help me find what I'm looking for? Thanks for any help you guys can offer.

 

[acrylic51]

Flower you don't want to replace that pump with just anything....Can you get the pump out!!!!! Sorry my question mark key isn't working this morning for whatever reason, but pull the pump and try cleaning it.......If pulling it apart and cleaning doesn't work, I'd suggest contacting ReefSpeciality and they should be able to help you out with the pump.

 

[acrylic51]

When the pump is plugged in any noise or vibration from the pump ! Has the pump ever been pulled and cleaned !

 

[flower]

I have not pulled the skimmer out. I have had a bad few weeks, I can't walk well let alone actually bending over and messing with the tank. I unplugged it like usual and cleaned the cup, and when I went to plug it back in...nothing, at firstIi thought it wasn't getting juice but everything else on the strip is working.
I'm afraid to take it apart, and no I have never cleaned it....I was thinking of replacing it with the right pump not just any one, but I can't find anything that explains the exact pump that is on it to start with. I found two, and both are over $200.00
As soon as I'm able I will pull the skimmer out and try to take the pump apart, but first I will try to soak it and get it running. I still would like to know what pump to replace it with. I hate this kind of problem, that was the best skimmer I ever had too....it pulls out all kinds dark of thick gunk.

 

[meowzer]

Isn't this skimmer fairly new? There is probably gunk in the impeller.....definitely needs to be cleaned.
IF NOT, you need to contact where you got it from......it probably has a warranty

 

[acrylic51]

If I'm not mistaken it's the bubble blaster pump?? Does it have a clear front volute(cover). I'm also thinking 3yr warranty off the top of my head. Cleaning would be my first option being in service almost 1yr..... Could have had something jam it up as well!!!!

 

[geoj]

If I'm not mistaken it's the bubble blaster pump?? Does it have a clear front volute(cover). I'm also thinking 3yr warranty off the top of my head. Cleaning would be my first option being in service almost 1yr..... Could have had something jam it up as well!!!!
Warranty, yep get your invoice together and go to their web page and you can request a replacement. The older pumps are not made to prevent calcium from freezing the pump up. The newer pumps are made of a material that helps prevent this buildup. I had to request a copy of my invoice from a online retailer to have my pump replaced. I emailed all the info they needed and got a authorization number, then shipped the old pump back to them and they replaced it. It took only about a week to get the new pump. Here is a link http://coralvue.com/warranty/

 

[flower]

Thanks everyone, I have to get it out and look at it. I'm going to try just soaking it first...I really hope I don't have to take it apart.
Thanks Geo, it is under 3 yrs old, and that link will help....even if I don't use it this time around, I'm going to keep it handy.
I'm going to go do it as soon as I get off line. Fingers crossed.

 

[flower]

Okay...I got the skimmer out and cleaned it up by soaking it and running good hot water through it. It was working great. UNTIL I unplugged it and dumped the skimmer cup. There has to be something deep inside that is clogging it up but I don't know how to take it apart...I didn't want to force anything. I did remove it from the skimmer housing but did not dismantle the pump..............
HELP Please! I can't be afriad to clean it for fear it will stop working. I have to do something.

 

[deejeff442]

i had an octopus skimmer that was almost new the pump would always stop working .i could get it going again but if i unplugged it i had to beat on it to get it going.i wound up tossing the skimmer .i have no patience

 

[geoj]

I can take pics of my pump if that would help. It was not to much to take it apart. The only part where you can go wrong is there is two little clear plastic washers that can be lost and if you do you will not find a replacement very easy.

 

[geoj]

Take the three screws out of the end in the clear plastic part.


When you pull this turn it wiggle it to get it to come out this is when the shaft might come apart on you just do it slow and don't loose any parts.

 

[geoj]

The impeller should slip out with only the resistance of the magnets. If the impeller is stuck in the pump the magnet is likely damaged. I would reassemble it and get a new one.


In here should be clean with no white calcium build-up. Took me 4 days to clean this out no fun :bw:

 

[geoj]

What can happen is the end cap comes off and the entire thing comes apart on you. I have had the end cap come off and stay down inside the pump and it does take some effort to get it out .

This back part may be dark gray in the old pump and if it is cracked you will need a new one.

 

[geoj]

 

[geoj]

If this feels like to much for you then I don't recommend you do all of this because it will likely need to be replaced anyways.