Mesh Mod Problem- pump won't turn on

CookieJar · 04/05/2007, 06:01 PM

Most recently I've purchased a Sedra 5000 for my ASM skimmer, however I have a problem with it turning back on. After I turn it off to clean the collection cup the pump won't turn on unless I disassemble the impeller, impeller shaft, reassemble it and then it'll turn back on.

I did the mesh modification (3 layers, PF4, secured by small cable ties and trimmed to not interfere with the pump) and I've checked to verify the impeller is free to turn, but still it sometimes doesn't turn on. Is this a problem with the mod or could it be the pump has the problem working intermittently? I've used the pump for less than 1 month and have been frustrated by this problem.

Is this a common problem, and if so what's the fix? I'm hoping I don't have to fork over the $40 and buy another impeller and try and unmodified one.

When it turns on I get bubbles up to wazoo!!!

surfjeepzx · 04/05/2007, 06:13 PM

I don't see where the mesh mod would effect the pump starting unless the mesh is rubbing or hanging up. Did you remove the shaft and clean any calcium biuldup off. Also use some vinegar and a toothbrush to clean down in the pump cavity where the magnet drops in.

Typically the magnet shaft and housing having build-up is what causes pumps to freeze. If it's not that then you could have a bad pump housing.

CookieJar · 04/05/2007, 06:40 PM

I'll use the vinegar to clean it and see if that helps. I've only had it running for a couple weeks and when I looked there wasn't any buildup or crud in there.
I might just have a bad pump and there could be an electrical problem.

RandyStacyE · 04/05/2007, 10:06 PM

If this is a recirc skimmer, just for the heck of it ... unplug your pump ... then plug it back in. When/if it doesn't fire back up, just blow into the air line leading to your venturi and see if that fires it up. Not that this is a solution, but in a way it is with my little 4" skimmer using a GX-1500.

If it is not a recirc skimmer then put your finger over the inlet of the venturi and then blow into the hose and see if that fires it up.

Just for the heck of it, give it a try.

04/05/2007, 06:01 PM	#1
CookieJar Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Mountain View, CA Posts: 545	Mesh Mod Problem- pump won't turn on Most recently I've purchased a Sedra 5000 for my ASM skimmer, however I have a problem with it turning back on. After I turn it off to clean the collection cup the pump won't turn on unless I disassemble the impeller, impeller shaft, reassemble it and then it'll turn back on. I did the mesh modification (3 layers, PF4, secured by small cable ties and trimmed to not interfere with the pump) and I've checked to verify the impeller is free to turn, but still it sometimes doesn't turn on. Is this a problem with the mod or could it be the pump has the problem working intermittently? I've used the pump for less than 1 month and have been frustrated by this problem. Is this a common problem, and if so what's the fix? I'm hoping I don't have to fork over the $40 and buy another impeller and try and unmodified one. When it turns on I get bubbles up to wazoo!!!

04/05/2007, 06:13 PM	#2
surfjeepzx Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Wilbur by the Sea, FL Posts: 842	I don't see where the mesh mod would effect the pump starting unless the mesh is rubbing or hanging up. Did you remove the shaft and clean any calcium biuldup off. Also use some vinegar and a toothbrush to clean down in the pump cavity where the magnet drops in. Typically the magnet shaft and housing having build-up is what causes pumps to freeze. If it's not that then you could have a bad pump housing. __________________ << All that matters Current Tank Info: 135 Acrylic flatback hex. 30 gallon sump. Twin Coralvue 250w MH's w/ 14k Hamiltons, Icecap 660 VHO, 4 URI reflected 110 actinic's. Rio 17hf return & 2 mj1200's (mod'd) pwrhds in tank. All natural... seawater

04/05/2007, 06:40 PM	#3
CookieJar Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Mountain View, CA Posts: 545	I'll use the vinegar to clean it and see if that helps. I've only had it running for a couple weeks and when I looked there wasn't any buildup or crud in there. I might just have a bad pump and there could be an electrical problem.

04/05/2007, 10:06 PM	#4
RandyStacyE Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 2,659	If this is a recirc skimmer, just for the heck of it ... unplug your pump ... then plug it back in. When/if it doesn't fire back up, just blow into the air line leading to your venturi and see if that fires it up. Not that this is a solution, but in a way it is with my little 4" skimmer using a GX-1500. If it is not a recirc skimmer then put your finger over the inlet of the venturi and then blow into the hose and see if that fires it up. Just for the heck of it, give it a try.