Skimmer Trouble

reefready · 02-17-2008, 09:57 PM

Hey Guys,

Question--
Have a small in sump skimmer...you can see it in pics on this post: http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=110538

The pump will not run. It just clicks and clicks. I tried cleaning it in a vinegar and water solution last weekend and it did not help. Should I replace the pump, or am I better off getting a new in sump skimmer? An inline is not possible in my current setup. The pump that is currently driving it is a Rio800. The LFS say it is a great pump, replace with the same. On here I often see you guys talking about it as a bad pump. Thoughts?

Replacing the Rio would run about $40. Can't really afford a 300 new skimmer.

Thanks for any advice...

motorslave · 02-17-2008, 10:00 PM

Now you know why Rio's are avoided like a pox. They stink. Not worth the risk in my opinion. Replace it another brand. Sounds like your LFS needs some pump edjumacation.....

hng · 02-17-2008, 10:06 PM

Rio 800 is only like $22 at marine depot. I agree with Robert, rio's are bad news. Get a maxijet 1200, it's more reliable and also way more powerful. BTW, if it clicks and rattles, it means it's not seated properly. Play with it a bit more, I think it could still work. That will give you some time to get a maxijet

reefready · 02-17-2008, 10:06 PM

What type would you recommend? How do I know what will be a comparable size in another brand. Do you (or anyone else) have a favorite QUIET pump brand?

TIA!

reefready · 02-17-2008, 10:07 PM

I have a MaxiJet 1200 power head...is it convertible to a pump setup, or do they sell them as a pump as well?

hng · 02-17-2008, 10:09 PM

No, converting, just hook it up and plug it in. Is that a venturi style skimmer? The maxijet should have come with a venturi adapter.

reefready · 02-17-2008, 10:25 PM

ok...couple of things. It is a Maxi 900...got it used, so I have no adapters. I can see where I could connect the flow, but how would I control the flow of water? Is this were the aforementioned adapter would come in to play? If I need to, can I use it as is in the interim while I get everything else figured out?

Thanks

aquawolf · 02-17-2008, 10:28 PM

If you want to look at your Rio a little more, you need to see how tightly you screwed the cover back on over the impeller. This is what was said about it not being seated. This is something they are notorious for, if you tighten the cover all the way down (as is logical) it puts too much force on the impeller shaft and it will not turn or turn just enough to click. Try loosening that cover and see if you can get it to start turning again. Believe it or not, the pump may function with that cover held on by just a few threads.

Good luck with everything.

reefready · 02-17-2008, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquawolf

If you want to look at your Rio a little more, you need to see how tightly you screwed the cover back on over the impeller. This is what was said about it not being seated. This is something they are notorious for, if you tighten the cover all the way down (as is logical) it puts too much force on the impeller shaft and it will not turn or turn just enough to click. Try loosening that cover and see if you can get it to start turning again. Believe it or not, the pump may function with that cover held on by just a few threads.

Good luck with everything.

Thanks for the tip. Here is a stupid question. When I took the Rio out to clean it, I could not find a way into it (it appeared to be completely sealed). Where would I find the way into the pump itself? It seemed on my model that it was a pressure seal (I saw what looked like a place to pry it open w/ a screw driver). Ever seen this or have any suggestions?

THANKS!

reefready · 02-17-2008, 11:36 PM

Ok...so I was able to get the Rio open, soak it in warm H20 and get it running again. Still sort of hums as it works (louder than before). Is this the beginning of the end, or do you have some other cleaning ideas that might help?

If it is the beginning of the end, what pump should I order as a replacement?

Thanks guys!

HAROLDL · 02-18-2008, 01:16 PM

Hey Reefready,
I had (have) that same skimmer. I Just replaced it with a CSS because it was too small for my main tank. I will use it on another tank that I'm planning to set up. The problem that you mentioned also happened on my Rio with the Sealife System. Since you got the pump used, it will probably be best if you just replaced the pump altogether. Before getting the CSS, I tried replacing the rio with a maxi jet 1200 but it didn't have a venturi control outlet like the Rio does. Whatever pump you use, it should have a venturi control on it.

aquawolf · 02-18-2008, 07:21 PM

Sorry for my delayed reply, but my satellite connection went out due to the storms and I had to work today.

Glad you were able to get it open. You should use white vinegar when you clean it. The acid in the vinegar will help eat away any crud that has built up on the impeller shaft and other parts. You can try to scrub it with a toothbrush some to break up the gunk. You may not see it but it is still there. After cleaning it well you need to rinse it with fresh water and then you can test it in a bucket and see if it runs any better.