Help!! Reef Octopus bh90 skimmer not working?

Jimboreef · 08/08/2014, 10:15 PM

Hi,
I just bought a reef octopus bh90 hob skimmer and when I installed it everything was working great until it started overflowing so I unplugged it. When I tried to plug it back in nothing happened the pump doesn't seem to work no water is being sucked into the chamber I took the pump apart to look for broken parts and cant find anything? I have to empty and fill it back up before plugging it back in to the wall, or rise and lower water levels for hours before it decides to work again but everytime I unplug it, it takes a longgg time to get it started again? Has anyone had experience with this specific skimmer acting like this I will post some pics to show you

I've only had this skimmer for 3 days and I can't find out why the pump isn't working when I put 8 inches of water in it then plug it in nothing happens, I would like to know why so I can order the right parts for it.. so all you experienced people out there please help lol

ReefPony · 08/08/2014, 11:00 PM

Since you've only had it for 3 days, I'd just get in touch with the vendor you bought it from and have it exchanged... a pump shouldn't fail in 3 days so you should be entitled to return it for a replacement.

BowedFloor · 08/08/2014, 11:10 PM

Yeah if it's DOA talk to the shop you bought it from.

shesacharmer · 08/09/2014, 09:03 AM

If the pump isn't sucking water or making noise like it's trying to suck water then you need to return it. Don't expect it to fill itself up.

I have a larger model and it gave me fits when I first got it...I wanted to throw it out the window!

This is what worked for me (but my pump was sucking) I had to fill the skimmer way to the top, block the airline and plug it in at the same time (no small feat) and then pour more water into the top of the skimmer until the pump settled into its normal rhythm and unblock the airline before it overflowed. Sound like a hassle? You bet! After a few tries I got better at it and it seems once the skimmer got broken in it settled down some. I don't think I'd buy my same skimmer again next time.

grussell · 08/09/2014, 09:31 AM

Have to close it, fill it 2/3, turn it on and hold the air line shut. Once it is drawing in water and not air the siphon is primed. Release the line and open the valve until the water holds just above the start of the cone. That's how I do it. I've thought the pump was broken a few times when it really was just not primed. Of course if the pump doesn't turn on at all, you have a problem....

Jimboreef · 08/11/2014, 09:17 PM

Thanks to everyone for replying

I figured out the problem the shaft piece in the pump was broken coralvue is shipping me the new part this week

08/08/2014, 11:00 PM	#2
ReefPony Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Birmingham, Al Posts: 64	Since you've only had it for 3 days, I'd just get in touch with the vendor you bought it from and have it exchanged... a pump shouldn't fail in 3 days so you should be entitled to return it for a replacement. __________________ Current Tank - 36g. 2 Ocellaris Clowns, 1 Diamond Goby, hermits, snails. Salinity - 1.025, PH 8-8.2, Alk - 9.3 dkh, Nitrates - Too high (25ppm), Temp - 78-80.

08/09/2014, 09:03 AM	#4
shesacharmer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Central NH Posts: 1,241	If the pump isn't sucking water or making noise like it's trying to suck water then you need to return it. Don't expect it to fill itself up. I have a larger model and it gave me fits when I first got it...I wanted to throw it out the window! This is what worked for me (but my pump was sucking) I had to fill the skimmer way to the top, block the airline and plug it in at the same time (no small feat) and then pour more water into the top of the skimmer until the pump settled into its normal rhythm and unblock the airline before it overflowed. Sound like a hassle? You bet! After a few tries I got better at it and it seems once the skimmer got broken in it settled down some. I don't think I'd buy my same skimmer again next time. __________________ 75 gal, LR w/refugium, 79 deg, PH 8.0, sg 1.025, amm 0/nit 0/nit 0, Calcium 420, dKH 8.3, mag 1300, Phos 0 Current Tank Info: A work in progress...

08/09/2014, 09:31 AM	#5
grussell Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 116	Have to close it, fill it 2/3, turn it on and hold the air line shut. Once it is drawing in water and not air the siphon is primed. Release the line and open the valve until the water holds just above the start of the cone. That's how I do it. I've thought the pump was broken a few times when it really was just not primed. Of course if the pump doesn't turn on at all, you have a problem.... __________________ 75 Gallon. Bh-90, ATO, BRS Carbon/GFO, 18W Coraline UV. Photon 48 LED lighting. SG 1.0255. ammonia/nitrites 0, nitrates 0-5, calcium 460, KH 11, Phos 0, Temp 79-80.

08/11/2014, 09:17 PM	#6
Jimboreef Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 3	Thanks!! Thanks to everyone for replying I figured out the problem the shaft piece in the pump was broken coralvue is shipping me the new part this week

08/08/2014, 11:10 PM	#3
BowedFloor Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 162	Yeah if it's DOA talk to the shop you bought it from.