Pump Problems

[PotomacBoater]

the flap just wasn't in the picture, but the new volute came with a new flap

[rioreef]

Last weekend I went out for dinner and came home to the tank water level down. Checked the sump and it was full, problem main pump stopped working - Mag 12.

 

Opened it up and the impeller was not spinning. The ceramic shaft gets calcium buildup and 'freezes' the impeller in place on it. Carefully tapped on end of shaft for a bit and then pushed shaft up through the impeller. Then I flipped it over and pushed it back. Did this several time before a very small screw driver could push it all the way out. Then I went at removing the calcium buildup on the inside of the impeller and on the shaft. Just remember during maintenance on the pump to keep that ceramic shaft clear of buildup

 

Totally clean now and the pump is working fine again like it has been for the past 7+ years.

Edited October 26, 2012 by rioreef

[LCDRDATA]

UPDATE -

 

I just got an email from the place I ordered the replacement volute from -- over a week ago, paying extra for expedited shipping -- telling me that they have now discovered they don't have it in stock! SO, does anyone have a volute/pump cover for a mag-drive 9.5B available locally for under $20, or do I need to go back into internet land? - of course, the replacement impeller that I ordered at the same time (different vendor) arrived last Satureday. Dr.s Foster & Smith and ThatFishPlace both have it (the latter being relatively close by [Lancaster PA]) for about that price (including "standard" shipping), but I really expected to have this resolved by now and don't particularly care to wait or pay an absurdly high charge for overnight. Any other recommendations? Thanks!

[LCDRDATA]

UPDATE -

 

I just got an email from the place I ordered the replacement volute from -- over a week ago, paying extra for expedited shipping -- telling me that they have now discovered they don't have it in stock! SO, does anyone have a volute/pump cover for a mag-drive 9.5B available locally for under $20, or do I need to go back into internet land? - of course, the replacement impeller that I ordered at the same time (different vendor) arrived last Satureday. Dr.s Foster & Smith and ThatFishPlace both have it (the latter being relatively close by [Lancaster PA]) for about that price (including "standard" shipping), but I really expected to have this resolved by now and don't particularly care to wait or pay an absurdly high charge for overnight. Any other recommendations? Thanks!

Anybody?

[Integral9]

Did you try it with the old volute? I understand it's been worn, but it would probably work ok w/out all the calcium build up in it that caused the problems you had before.

 

Also, I think I saw a Mag9.5 for sale on this forum for $45

[LCDRDATA]

Did you try it with the old volute? I understand it's been worn, but it would probably work ok w/out all the calcium build up in it that caused the problems you had before.

 

Also, I think I saw a Mag9.5 for sale on this forum for $45

I haven't tried it with the old volute, as I'm concerned about causing the same problem in the reverse order (starting with the bad volute instead of the bad impeller shaft, but still ending up with pump failure). The other pump is actually a Mag 12, which I'm going to pick up sometime this weekend. With its higher flow it will take some time determine the best way to split and apportion the extra volume - preferably to the 'fuge (if the overflow can handle it) or to the biopellet reactor (if it can't), so I still want to have this one usable, both as a competent backup or alternative use in one of my other tanks.

Edited November 2, 2012 by LCDRDATA

[Steve175]

I haven't tried it with the old volute, as I'm concerned about causing the same problem in the reverse order (starting with the bad volute instead of the bad impeller shaft, but still ending up with pump failure). The other pump is actually a Mag 12, which I'm going to pick up sometime this weekend. With its higher flow it will take some time determine the best way to split and apportion the extra volume - preferably to the 'fuge (if the overflow can handle it) or to the biopellet reactor (if it can't), so I still want to have this one usable, both as a competent backup or alternative use in one of my other tanks.

 

Add a line to you manifold that returns the flow back to your sump with a gate valve on it: then if you have extra flow from the mag 12 you can spill it directly back into the sump (or close the valve it you don't need it). This line can then be used down the road if you plan to add another reactor.