Skimmer Not working-how do I fix it?

Squall · 06/20/2011, 07:50 PM

I have a Eschopps 100 in sump skimmer that stopped working two weeks ago. I have had it running for 8 months and cleaned the body, and the collection cup, but never the pump. I pulled the skimmer and thoroughly cleaned the body, and ran the pump in a bucked of vinegar for three days. Nothing came out. The pump seems to run, but I can't tell if something is gumming it up inside that is not allowing it to run full strength? Is there some other method of cleaning these? Do the pumps come apart at all, or do I have to replace the pump? It was working great prior to this and pulling a lot of gunk from the water. I am getting tired of doing multiple water changes a week to offset the lack of a skimmer.

Any suggestions and help greatly appreciated.

Thanks

reefwisher · 06/20/2011, 10:09 PM

Could be a couple of things that giving you problems. I would check the impellar and see if the magnet is spinning freely. Sometimes the shaft get calcium buildup and prevent it from spinning freely. Soak the impellar for an hour or so then work on spinning until it free up. Check and see if the needlewheel is still attached to the magnet or separated or broke the tab that hold the 2 pieces together. If it broke the magnet will spin but not the needlewheel, you can fix that by super gluing it together with a clamp. Will work until you can get a replacment. Don't know if that the kind of problems your having. Hope this help.

reefwisher · 06/20/2011, 10:12 PM

Not familar with the pump on the eshopps, but it should come apart.

Chris27 · 06/21/2011, 07:55 AM

Every pump comes apart.....just take it out and disassemble it. There are many ways fro the pump to be compromised, only a visible inspection will reveal what's going on. Trust me when I say your skimmer and tank will benefit greatly from a regular inspection of all the moving parts.

reeftivo · 06/21/2011, 09:46 AM

are you getting any flowthrough or air?

Take off the airline and see if the venturi nipple at the intake has calcium build up. Many times this is the case. Calcium carbonate will build up in the nipple and soaking it doesn't help much.

If you can see that the nipple is restricted then you most likely will have to ream it out. I've used the blunt end (not the cutting portion) of a drill bit to push out the build up and the skimmer works like new.

06/20/2011, 07:50 PM	#1
Squall Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 59	Skimmer Not working-how do I fix it? I have a Eschopps 100 in sump skimmer that stopped working two weeks ago. I have had it running for 8 months and cleaned the body, and the collection cup, but never the pump. I pulled the skimmer and thoroughly cleaned the body, and ran the pump in a bucked of vinegar for three days. Nothing came out. The pump seems to run, but I can't tell if something is gumming it up inside that is not allowing it to run full strength? Is there some other method of cleaning these? Do the pumps come apart at all, or do I have to replace the pump? It was working great prior to this and pulling a lot of gunk from the water. I am getting tired of doing multiple water changes a week to offset the lack of a skimmer. Any suggestions and help greatly appreciated. Thanks

06/21/2011, 07:55 AM	#4
Chris27 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 4,452	Every pump comes apart.....just take it out and disassemble it. There are many ways fro the pump to be compromised, only a visible inspection will reveal what's going on. Trust me when I say your skimmer and tank will benefit greatly from a regular inspection of all the moving parts. __________________ Fill your tank with $5 bills, add gasoline and light it on fire.....only then will you know the real cost of reefing. Current Tank Info: 180 Mixed Reef

06/21/2011, 09:46 AM	#5
reeftivo Skim junkie Join Date: May 2008 Location: chino, CA Posts: 3,417	are you getting any flowthrough or air? Take off the airline and see if the venturi nipple at the intake has calcium build up. Many times this is the case. Calcium carbonate will build up in the nipple and soaking it doesn't help much. If you can see that the nipple is restricted then you most likely will have to ream it out. I've used the blunt end (not the cutting portion) of a drill bit to push out the build up and the skimmer works like new. __________________ I told you not to be stupid you moron!(Stern) Current Tank Info: 60 gal cube/20g tideline sump-mixed reef, Aquamaxx c-tech Ca Rx, Akula 160 skimmer, paxbellum N18, mitras LX7 lighting with T-5s, apex controller

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Protein skimmer venturi clogging, no easy fix, any ideas?	DarkXerox	Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment	22	05/24/2017 10:48 AM
Skimmer will not work please help	Mbattles	New to the Hobby	4	04/03/2011 01:19 PM
Skimmer prob in search of fix	32mm32	Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment	4	10/18/2010 09:38 AM
Brand new DOC skimmer 9006 not working	mclement	Tunze	4	07/27/2010 08:04 AM
ASM G-1 Skimmer broke, can it be fixed?	10" Red Devil	Reef Discussion	8	07/04/2006 10:24 PM

06/20/2011, 10:09 PM	#2
reefwisher Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Nebraska Posts: 402	Could be a couple of things that giving you problems. I would check the impellar and see if the magnet is spinning freely. Sometimes the shaft get calcium buildup and prevent it from spinning freely. Soak the impellar for an hour or so then work on spinning until it free up. Check and see if the needlewheel is still attached to the magnet or separated or broke the tab that hold the 2 pieces together. If it broke the magnet will spin but not the needlewheel, you can fix that by super gluing it together with a clamp. Will work until you can get a replacment. Don't know if that the kind of problems your having. Hope this help.

06/20/2011, 10:12 PM	#3
reefwisher Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Nebraska Posts: 402	Not familar with the pump on the eshopps, but it should come apart.