Eheim no good for reactors?

[davocean]

First I have to say, I love eheim pumps, so it was a no brainer for me when I got my cal reactor to use an eheim 1046 for feed, and a 1250 on reactor.
I came home a couple days ago(about 3 mo in use) and my 1250 was SCREAMING so loud you could hear it down the street.
I unplugged and called Eheim.
First question was what was use, I said cal reactor.
They said no warranty on use w/ reactors or skimmers.
I've never seen this warning anywhere.
Phone rep said soon they will have a ceramic bearing that will make it OK for reactor/skimmer use.
Meanwhile, I'm out of luck.
Figured I'd post this as warning to others as I hear many use them for reactors.

[fishnut321]

thats odd considering most of the best skimmer companies use eheim pumps on there skimmers...

[davocean]

That's what my local reef site friends said as well, suggesting I post this for others.
I still think highly of Eheim, they make an awesome return pump, I just wish this was handled better or cleared up.
Wish I'd seen a warning on this bearing/warranty issue.

[snorvich]

I love Eheim pumps and did not know they were problematical on calcium reactors or skimmers. I guess you have to clean them frequently in vinegar to get rid of calcium deposits?

[Dyraxe]

Call back and this time don't tell them you used it on a reactor to see if they will replace it lol.

[boozeman]

it isn't because of the quality of the eheim pumps but rather because some of the manufacturers that use them for skimmers modify them for needlewheel use...thus voiding the waranty

[Dyraxe]

I am sure glad I read this

[Doahh]

I'm pretty sure the skimmer companies put int their own ceramic bearings...

[builderguy]

Okay wait....I've looked at the "exploded" parts --- no bearings shown...so it would have to be inside the motor...in otherwords manufactured that way. I can understand the calc reactor thing...corrosive ph and calcium deposits...but I'm sure that the skimmer mfg companies are not rebuilding the motors, so it's probably related to the needlewheel issue...in other words they didn't design it for that so they're not taking responsibility. The fact that ATB and H&S use this pump, and many DIYers tells me it's fine as a skimmer pump.

[davocean]

For best description you should contact Eheim, but it has nothing to do w/ needlewheel or other mod.
It sounded more like a back pressure issue or something.
They sent a pic of impellar showing shaft wear on part around shaft, so my guess is that's what they are calling a bearing, but again, I'm no exp, I'm just making this issue known to help others.

[Doahh]

Part no. 7444400
http://www.eheim.com/base/eheim/pdf/...53_3250_GB.pdf
It's the two little nubby things at the ends of that part section

[davocean]

Thanks Doahh.
Eheim gave me a part # for new bearing;
7640910
Rep said it should be a month or two out.
My problem though is housing is actually damaged, I may be completely out.
At least I caught this b4 anything real bad happened.

[builderguy]

What's the domestic contact for eheim?

[davocean]

# given to me from MD is;
514-624-2229