Going to start a new tread on a issue I am having to see if others are having similar problems. About every 3 to 4 months my sump pump will not restart after I do a water change. I traced the problem to a dirty/gummed up Impeller. Once I replace the impeller the pump works as normal. Not sure of the source. Has anyone else seen this problem and come up with a solution. It not a big deal to pull the pump and swap the impeller but I would think there should be a better fix.
Red Sea Max main sump pump isue
- Thread starter adamsfour
- Start date
All a update. As mentioned my sump pump seem to have a issue of getting gummed up. Last month I pulled the pump, cleaned the impeller and reinstalled. I have noticed since I did that the pump ran with a lot more noise. I broke down and put my spare pump in and everything is now silent. Any idea on a long term solution. I assume it's still a impeller issue as that is the only moving part.
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Mine going strong... going on 4 years, if that helps
Adrienne
Well-Known Member
My left pump (the replacement one as my first one was faulty) doesn't restart if I switch it off until I remove it and turn it on at the top of the water level. How long has your tank been running - is it still under warranty?
Check to see if you bedded the impeller back in properly when you cleaned it - if it is loose it will knock against the sides.
Check to see if you bedded the impeller back in properly when you cleaned it - if it is loose it will knock against the sides.
LakeLivin
Active Member
+1 on making sure the propellor is correctly fitted. I've never had a problem with my main pump but I did purchase a backup and have begun rotating my pumps every couple months. This allows me to soak one pump in a bowl of vinegar for a day or so and remove all traces of gunk/algae so it's like new when I put it back in the sump the next time I rotate pumps. A spare main pump is a must have for any aquarium in my opinion so I figure why not put it to use.
Lexinverts
Member
I just had this happen to my skimmer pump. LakeLivin, do you soak the whole pump in vinegar or just the impellar?
LakeLivin
Active Member
I disassemble the pump(s) clean/scrub all the parts with a toothbrush while rinsing them under a running tap and then submerge the entire pump with the loose parts in a container of vinegar (not including the plug end of the power cord of course). After letting them soak for a day or so I remove them from the vinegar and repeat the toothbrush scrubbing and rinsing under tap water before reassembling.
LakeLivin
Active Member
I was talking about pumps as well. However, I clean my power heads with the same process I described above. Except that I will just soak the powerhead for a couple hours instead of overnight. Overnight is probably overkill anyway, but because I don't plan to put the pump back into the tank until it's rotation time again I figure the soak time can't hurt.
I don't have spare MP40's, just some spare parts for them. Consequently, I give them a soak in vinegar for a couple hours when the coralline algae begins to take over. Otherwise I just disassemble and scrub each part with a toothbrush under a running tap, dry, reassemble and put them back in the tank.
I don't have spare MP40's, just some spare parts for them. Consequently, I give them a soak in vinegar for a couple hours when the coralline algae begins to take over. Otherwise I just disassemble and scrub each part with a toothbrush under a running tap, dry, reassemble and put them back in the tank.
Choff
Well-Known Member
I use citric acid. It works much faster (and better IMO) than vinegar. I soak it for an hour and then I b practically rinse off the calcium build up.
Adam, is fairly typical to need to service your pumps every 6 to 9 months, but if yours are gumming up in 3 months your mag or calc/alk ratio might be out if whack.
...stupid auto correct
Adam, is fairly typical to need to service your pumps every 6 to 9 months, but if yours are gumming up in 3 months your mag or calc/alk ratio might be out if whack.
...stupid auto correct
LakeLivin
Active Member
Food grade citric acid should definitely do a faster job. I use the vinegar because you can get it at any grocery store. Never looked for the citric acid before but next time I'm shopping I'll have a look around and check availability and price. The vinegar has worked fine for me based on my schedule but I certainly agree citric acid will make quicker work of it.
I use the white vinegar to clean out my condensor drip lines on my AC handler units. Here is Florida it is a must to keep the lines free of the muck that grows in the lines. Consequently, I just use the same product for both purposes.
I use the white vinegar to clean out my condensor drip lines on my AC handler units. Here is Florida it is a must to keep the lines free of the muck that grows in the lines. Consequently, I just use the same product for both purposes.