old skimmer pump won't work

jadeguppy · 07/08/2007, 06:47 PM

I found my old skimmer that has been in storage for years. When I plugged it in, nothing happens. It is a Rio 800. Dr. Foster has a Rio Plus 600 and Rio plus 1100. I'm not sure if the 1100 will fit on the skimmer platform. Any suggestions on what I should do? It looks like it is much cheaper to buy a new pump than a new skimmer!

Thanks!

Sarcophyton874 · 07/08/2007, 07:00 PM

First, open it up and examine it to make sure the impeller isn't done for. If the impellor is good, try pluging it in and manually spin the impeller with a stick of some kind. In my experiences with Rios, I have found they're ridiculously difficult to start after they have been sitting. They can work though.

uscharalph · 07/08/2007, 07:16 PM

If the impellars bad, a new replacement impellar can do the trick. This is less expensive than a new pump.

jadeguppy · 07/08/2007, 07:22 PM

Thank you! I couldn't get it open, but I did manage to reach the impellor and move it. To my delight, water shot across my kitchen counter on the second try.

You have saved me a nice bit of money. Now I get to go to bed tonight happy. YEA!

07/08/2007, 06:47 PM	#1
jadeguppy Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: nw Florida Posts: 2,611	old skimmer pump won't work I found my old skimmer that has been in storage for years. When I plugged it in, nothing happens. It is a Rio 800. Dr. Foster has a Rio Plus 600 and Rio plus 1100. I'm not sure if the 1100 will fit on the skimmer platform. Any suggestions on what I should do? It looks like it is much cheaper to buy a new pump than a new skimmer! Thanks!

07/08/2007, 07:16 PM	#3
uscharalph Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 1,248	If the impellars bad, a new replacement impellar can do the trick. This is less expensive than a new pump. __________________ Ralph Mendoza Jr. Long Beach, CA Current Tank Info: 80 Gallon Reef Tank

07/08/2007, 07:00 PM	#2
Sarcophyton874 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 215	First, open it up and examine it to make sure the impeller isn't done for. If the impellor is good, try pluging it in and manually spin the impeller with a stick of some kind. In my experiences with Rios, I have found they're ridiculously difficult to start after they have been sitting. They can work though.

07/08/2007, 07:22 PM	#4
jadeguppy Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: nw Florida Posts: 2,611	Thank you! I couldn't get it open, but I did manage to reach the impellor and move it. To my delight, water shot across my kitchen counter on the second try. You have saved me a nice bit of money. Now I get to go to bed tonight happy. YEA!