skimmer help

[jacksammoms-tank]

Hi all,

 

The skimmer was working like a champ, but I had not cleaned the pumps at all in 3 months. Thought it was a good idea. Swished and ran in water with vinegar. Rinsed in Rodi. Has not worked again. any thoughts? So bummed as I cannot afford another skimmer. Help!!!

 

Thanks, Toni

[dandy7200]

Does the pump do anything? What skimmer model?

[Jan]

Did you take the unit apart or just swished around intact in water and vinegar? Sometimes you have to take the impeller out. It can get clogged. A little whack can loosen things up too.

 

When I clean my pumps I use a toothbrush on the outside and wherever I can get it inside. Then I take it apart and pull out the impeller and squirt a mixture of water and vinegar in there. I put it all back together and let it run in vinegar and water. Then I transfer them to a bucket of water from a water change or a bucket with Ro/DI water and let it run clean for a few minutes. Sound more complicated than what it is.

[Origami]

Hi Toni. Thinking similar to Jan, does the impeller turn freely on the shaft or is it binding a little. Calcium deposits in the impeller or along the shaft can cause binding. I've had the plastic on some cheap pumps even swell a little, necessitating that I run a small, well-matched drill bit down to make it so it turned freely again.

[trockafella]

Ive had mesh wheels go bad and cause it to not work. Just happened recently to me. Put a new one on and it fired right up.

[steveoutlaw]

Hi Toni - I will be passing through Centreville around noonish today so let me know if you want me to stop by and take a look.

 

Steve

[Integral9]

A little whack can loosen things up too.

 

I was going to suggest a swift kick in the pants, but that works too.

 

That happens to me from time to time. Not sure what causes it. Even when I clean the heck of out of pumps, they can still be a little "grabby" when they first start up. I think the biofilm that develops on them over time keeps them loose until the calcium builds up.

[jacksammoms-tank]

Steve, sent pm with phone number. Thanks so much! Toni