My SWC 160 Protein Skimmer IS NOT WORKING

[al&burke]

There are rubber boots that the ceramic shaft set in. If I take out the rubber boot on the outside one it will spin. It seems like the shaft insert that holds the free end of the impeller is pressing to hard on the the impeller shaft. Can I run it without the rubber boot. The whole thing has been soaking in vinegar and water all afternoon.

 

[2quills]

Well that sucks man, I'd contact them about the issue. If it's a common problem with the pump then they should replace it for you.

 

[al&burke]

I honestly think the pump is done, I sent them an email see what happens - I heard they have excellent CS - Just seems weird to have to play around so much with it to get it running, I will let you know what happens.

 

[2quills]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Al&Burke http:///forum/thread/386748/my-swc-160-protein-skimmer-is-not-working/20#post_3402574
I honestly think the pump is done, I sent them an email see what happens - I heard they have excellent CS - Just seems weird to have to play around so much with it to get it running, I will let you know what happens.
Yeah bud let me know what happens. I wanted to go with one of those skimmers because the price was better than the octo. And my only concern was those pumps they are using. I've been seeing some folks talking about the same thing while others saying they have no problems. They should get it worked out for you. Did you get it from SWC themselves?

 

[al&burke]

I did not buy it directly from them.

 

[acrylic51]

Corey & Al are they running the Sicce pumps?

 

[al&burke]

I can't see any markings on them - I guess i have to look underneath the pump - I will take it apart tomorrow again and see. What is a good pump to run with these skimmers

 

[2quills]

Quote:
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///forum/thread/386748/my-swc-160-protein-skimmer-is-not-working/20#post_3402611
Corey & Al are they running the Sicce pumps?
The 160 uses an Atman 2500 and the 180 that I was looking at uses the sicce psk 2500.

 

[acrylic51]

I was going to say the Sicce is a decent pump....Always has been, but like anything can run into a bad one regardless.....Haven't heard of an Atman????

 

[2quills]

They're supposed to be descent pumps but the more I read about them the more problems I see.
Al, I'm trying to find specs on sizes between the Atman 2500 and the Bubble Blaster HY-1000 to see if it will fit without having to make any major modifications. I think it might but not 100% sure on that yet. A replacement Atman pump for that skimmer is about $50 and the Bubble Blaster that they use in the Octo 1000sss is about $145. Not sure if the Sicce psk 2500 will fit or not. might be to big.

 

[al&burke]

Thanks Corey - If I have to buy a better pump I will.

 

[2quills]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Al&Burke http:///forum/thread/386748/my-swc-160-protein-skimmer-is-not-working/20#post_3402666
Thanks Corey - If I have to buy a better pump I will.
Well it seems to be hit or miss Al. Those pumps should have a 1 year warranty. At the very least they should replace it for you but you may have to pay to ship them the pump back. The same thing happened with the Bubble Blaster pumps when they first came out as well. All kinds of people had issues with them so they had to send people new pumps. If they replace it then maybe everything will work out fine. I'd say try that and then go from there. But certainly shouldn't have to mess with it every other day to keep it working. That's b.s.

 

[al&burke]

Update - I sent the pump back to the online store I bought it from, canadian store. He emailed me back today that it was burnt out and a new one will be here tomorrow. Very happy with the customer service.

 

[meowzer]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Al&Burke http:///t/386748/my-swc-160-protein-skimmer-is-not-working/20#post_3410834
Update - I sent the pump back to the online store I bought it from, canadian store. He emailed me back today that it was burnt out and a new one will be here tomorrow. Very happy with the customer service.
YAYYYY...so glad to hear that

 

[al&burke]

Thanks meowzer, good to know there is still some good CS out there.

 

[al&burke]

Well since my skimmer has not been running for close to 3 weeks I thought I would check my parameters, seachem test kits
nitrites 0
nitrates 0
phosphates 0.1
alk 3.5 meq/l
pH 8.3
sg 1.024
I am still running my algae scrubber and I have a fuge with some good cheato growth - pretty happy with those numbers without a skimmer running.
What do you guys think - I am sold on the AS need to change the bulbs soon they are over 3 months old.

 

[2quills]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Al&Burke http:///t/386748/my-swc-160-protein-skimmer-is-not-working/20#post_3410859
Well since my skimmer has not been running for close to 3 weeks I thought I would check my parameters, seachem test kits
nitrites 0
nitrates 0
phosphates 0.1
alk 3.5 meq/l
pH 8.3
sg 1.024
I am still running my algae scrubber and I have a fuge with some good cheato growth - pretty happy with those numbers without a skimmer running.
What do you guys think - I am sold on the AS need to change the bulbs soon they are over 3 months old.
Every 3-4 months is what is recommended. Are you using warm whites? What wattage?

 

[al&burke]

the spiral CFL bulbs 23 or 26 watts I forget, I use them with a shop clamp on reflectors.

 

[al&burke]

Well finally my skimmer pump came back. Installed it and it is working beautifully. Happy I have the skimmer back on line.

 

[2quills]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Al&Burke http:///t/386748/my-swc-160-protein-skimmer-is-not-working/20#post_3412589
Well finally my skimmer pump came back. Installed it and it is working beautifully. Happy I have the skimmer back on line.
Al did they say what the issue was? I've been following another thread where folks are having similar problems with the same pump. I told them about your situation and said I would report back if I heard anything.
Some folks are saying it's a problem with a different type of impeller that they had been using.