Noisey Pinwheel Upgrade, Thoughts?

DannyHennig · 10/26/2010, 07:52 PM

Hey guys. Ive been running a BM200P skimmer for the last 12 months, which comes with the Sicce PSK2500 (along with meshwheel). Lately performance has been dropping, which has been attributed to the meshwheel starting to deteriorate.

After doing a fair bit of research, I ordered the Warner Marine Red Demon pinwheel. I was super excited and proceeded to install the pinwheel. Performance was hugely improved, with the skimmer being filled with dense milky foam. However, it came at a cost. The skimmer was making a loud rattling noise. I let it run for 24hours before pulling the skimmer down again to experiment. When the meshwheel is reinstalled, the skimmer is quiet as can be expected, pinwheel back in - noisey again.

Sometimes when the pump is turned off then on again, the rattle will be reduced, but will return in a few hours. Has anyone had a similar experience? I didnt a lot of googling and have read no other reports like mine. Any suggestions as to how I can quieten it down? I love the performance but the noise is just too much for me atm.

Thanks guys!

Danny

cveverly · 10/26/2010, 08:01 PM

I have not had that issue with the Red Demon pin wheel. I did have it with the Large Purple Pinwheel. Have you tried cleaning your pump(s) in vinegar?

DannyHennig · 10/26/2010, 08:18 PM

My pump was cleaned a couple of months back, but at this point Im willing to try anything. I am still confused as to why the new pinwheel is so much louder.

Ill soak the pump overnight and see if it helps

iamwrasseman · 10/26/2010, 08:28 PM

you may want to make sure that the new unit is not defective as it should be balanced and work very quietly IMO. you may have received a bad one as were not in a perfect world . also make sure that there were no shims or Teflon "bushings" that may have been misplaced or not installed when it was assembled at the factory . i would have it replaced if everything looks good on the new unit as it may just be a factory defect as it should be quiet while running .i wish you the best

DannyHennig · 10/26/2010, 09:22 PM

Thanks Dave. If I cant get it sorted Ill get in touch with the vendor. There doesnt appear to be any missing parts (based on the Youtube installation videos and how careful I was when installing it).

I appreciate all the help so far guys

iamwrasseman · 10/26/2010, 09:40 PM

cool .it just seems like the original impellar should run quiet and vibration free . good luck man~

DannyHennig · 10/31/2010, 11:22 PM

Alrighty, I cleaned out the pump, tried reseating the pinwheel multiple times, but its just insanely loud. As such, Ive put the stock meshwheel back in, and the Red Demon is living in a drawer now. I spoke to the retailer, and understandably they suggested that it must be another issue, as its pretty hard to stuff up a cast acrylic piece. Ah well, a failed experiment. Its just a shame it cost me $20 to ship it from the states

10/26/2010, 07:52 PM	#1
DannyHennig Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 118	Noisey Pinwheel Upgrade, Thoughts? Hey guys. Ive been running a BM200P skimmer for the last 12 months, which comes with the Sicce PSK2500 (along with meshwheel). Lately performance has been dropping, which has been attributed to the meshwheel starting to deteriorate. After doing a fair bit of research, I ordered the Warner Marine Red Demon pinwheel. I was super excited and proceeded to install the pinwheel. Performance was hugely improved, with the skimmer being filled with dense milky foam. However, it came at a cost. The skimmer was making a loud rattling noise. I let it run for 24hours before pulling the skimmer down again to experiment. When the meshwheel is reinstalled, the skimmer is quiet as can be expected, pinwheel back in - noisey again. Sometimes when the pump is turned off then on again, the rattle will be reduced, but will return in a few hours. Has anyone had a similar experience? I didnt a lot of googling and have read no other reports like mine. Any suggestions as to how I can quieten it down? I love the performance but the noise is just too much for me atm. Thanks guys! Danny

10/26/2010, 08:28 PM	#4
iamwrasseman Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: syracuse Posts: 7,003	you may want to make sure that the new unit is not defective as it should be balanced and work very quietly IMO. you may have received a bad one as were not in a perfect world . also make sure that there were no shims or Teflon "bushings" that may have been misplaced or not installed when it was assembled at the factory . i would have it replaced if everything looks good on the new unit as it may just be a factory defect as it should be quiet while running .i wish you the best __________________ This hobby certainly can put you in some weird positions ! Dave Current Tank Info: 40 freshwater,25saltwater 2000 gallons ,enough tanks for an army ?

10/26/2010, 09:40 PM	#6
iamwrasseman Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: syracuse Posts: 7,003	cool .it just seems like the original impellar should run quiet and vibration free . good luck man~ __________________ This hobby certainly can put you in some weird positions ! Dave Current Tank Info: 40 freshwater,25saltwater 2000 gallons ,enough tanks for an army ?

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10/26/2010, 08:01 PM	#2
cveverly Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Port Clinton, Oh Posts: 1,470	I have not had that issue with the Red Demon pin wheel. I did have it with the Large Purple Pinwheel. Have you tried cleaning your pump(s) in vinegar?

10/26/2010, 08:18 PM	#3
DannyHennig Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 118	My pump was cleaned a couple of months back, but at this point Im willing to try anything. I am still confused as to why the new pinwheel is so much louder. Ill soak the pump overnight and see if it helps

10/26/2010, 09:22 PM	#5
DannyHennig Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 118	Thanks Dave. If I cant get it sorted Ill get in touch with the vendor. There doesnt appear to be any missing parts (based on the Youtube installation videos and how careful I was when installing it). I appreciate all the help so far guys

10/31/2010, 11:22 PM	#7
DannyHennig Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 118	Alrighty, I cleaned out the pump, tried reseating the pinwheel multiple times, but its just insanely loud. As such, Ive put the stock meshwheel back in, and the Red Demon is living in a drawer now. I spoke to the retailer, and understandably they suggested that it must be another issue, as its pretty hard to stuff up a cast acrylic piece. Ah well, a failed experiment. Its just a shame it cost me $20 to ship it from the states