CSS220 Pump Died!

GreyG35 · 03/21/2006, 06:26 PM

I looked in my sump last night, and my skimmer (Coralife Superskimmer 220 Needlewheel) was not making any bubbles. So, I took apart the pump, and discovered that the shaft that goes through the impeller / megnet assembly had snapped in half. Sent an email to ESU, and they said they will send me a new part under warranty, but it will take 2 weeks because they are out of stock!

So, can I leave my system with no skimmer for 2 weeks?

Or, should I just suck it up and buy a better pump? If so, where do I find a good needlewheel pump, and what size should I get?

I know this has probably been discussed in the giant CSS thread, but I can't seem to find it since search isn't working -- sorry if this is a common question.

Thanks!

PiNaPLeX · 03/21/2006, 06:36 PM

you could try doing frequent more water changes in the next 2 weeks to keep nitrates down

dhnguyen · 03/21/2006, 07:08 PM

How large is that shaft? You might be able to replace it with a carbon fiber rod of the same diameter. The cf rods can be found at local hobby shops.

D.

GreyG35 · 03/21/2006, 08:07 PM

The shaft is pretty thin -- maybe 1-2 mm and about 3 inches long (just going from memory). Not to mix systems of measurement!

I'm starting to think that a more powerful pump would be good, anyway. Any recommendations on something that will fit? Sedra, maybe?

Thanks!

dhnguyen · 03/21/2006, 08:15 PM

Sedras aren't exactly cheap but they may work for the Coralife SS

You could also try GenX needle wheel pumps too. The needle wheel from the Gen X is the same type as the Coralife's

GreyG35 · 03/21/2006, 10:05 PM

Found the GenX 2400 LPH needlewheel pump at premium aquatics for $50. Is that enough water volume (600+ GPH)? Does anyone have experience with GenX pumps? Are they any good?

If it's going to come apart in a year, I think I'd rather spend more on a Sedra or something more reliable. Not too many needlewheel pumps out there, though.

dhnguyen · 03/21/2006, 10:20 PM

Gen X pumps are good pumps. As long as the gph rating is about the same as your current NW pump, you should be fine.

D.

GreyG35 · 04/13/2006, 05:15 PM

Ordered the GenX 2400 LPH needlewheel this week, since Coralife hasn't come through with the replacement part for my CSS pump after 3.5 weeks. Plus they seem to be ignoring my emails. Nice.

Just hooked up the GenX, and it's making foam like crazy...We'll see how it does.

Guess I won't be buying that Coralife calcium reactor...

brad23 · 04/13/2006, 07:03 PM

The 220 pump is rated at 500gph I believe

GreyG35 · 04/13/2006, 08:04 PM

The original CSS220 pump was 500gph. The GenX I bought is somewhere around 650.

03/21/2006, 06:26 PM	#1
GreyG35 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Spencerport, NY (Rochester area) Posts: 186	CSS220 Pump Died! I looked in my sump last night, and my skimmer (Coralife Superskimmer 220 Needlewheel) was not making any bubbles. So, I took apart the pump, and discovered that the shaft that goes through the impeller / megnet assembly had snapped in half. Sent an email to ESU, and they said they will send me a new part under warranty, but it will take 2 weeks because they are out of stock! So, can I leave my system with no skimmer for 2 weeks? Or, should I just suck it up and buy a better pump? If so, where do I find a good needlewheel pump, and what size should I get? I know this has probably been discussed in the giant CSS thread, but I can't seem to find it since search isn't working -- sorry if this is a common question. Thanks! __________________ GreyG35 "...with fronds like these, who needs anenomes..." Current Tank Info: 90 Gallon Reef with 30 Gallon Basement Sump - AM 2x250 MH, 2x54 T5 Actinics, CSS 220 Skimmer, 55 Gallon FW (starring 5 crazed clown loaches and a Black Ghost Knifefish named Bob)

03/21/2006, 06:36 PM	#2
PiNaPLeX Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 439	you could try doing frequent more water changes in the next 2 weeks to keep nitrates down __________________ PiNaPLe X - If fate really exsists, then it HATES my guts! Current Tank Info: 29g glass tank, Penguin 330 filter, AquaC Remora Skimmer, 2x65w PowerCompacts (10k & actinic), 90g RR AGA tank /w Megaflow(in progress), 40g Sump/Fuge, 2 x Seio 1500, Dolphin 800, 2x250W MH (XM 10k), 2x54W T5 (Actinic Plus + True Actinic)

03/21/2006, 08:07 PM	#4
GreyG35 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Spencerport, NY (Rochester area) Posts: 186	The shaft is pretty thin -- maybe 1-2 mm and about 3 inches long (just going from memory). Not to mix systems of measurement! I'm starting to think that a more powerful pump would be good, anyway. Any recommendations on something that will fit? Sedra, maybe? Thanks! __________________ GreyG35 "...with fronds like these, who needs anenomes..." Current Tank Info: 90 Gallon Reef with 30 Gallon Basement Sump - AM 2x250 MH, 2x54 T5 Actinics, CSS 220 Skimmer, 55 Gallon FW (starring 5 crazed clown loaches and a Black Ghost Knifefish named Bob)

03/21/2006, 10:05 PM	#6
GreyG35 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Spencerport, NY (Rochester area) Posts: 186	Found the GenX 2400 LPH needlewheel pump at premium aquatics for $50. Is that enough water volume (600+ GPH)? Does anyone have experience with GenX pumps? Are they any good? If it's going to come apart in a year, I think I'd rather spend more on a Sedra or something more reliable. Not too many needlewheel pumps out there, though. __________________ GreyG35 "...with fronds like these, who needs anenomes..." Current Tank Info: 90 Gallon Reef with 30 Gallon Basement Sump - AM 2x250 MH, 2x54 T5 Actinics, CSS 220 Skimmer, 55 Gallon FW (starring 5 crazed clown loaches and a Black Ghost Knifefish named Bob)

04/13/2006, 05:15 PM	#8
GreyG35 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Spencerport, NY (Rochester area) Posts: 186	Ordered the GenX 2400 LPH needlewheel this week, since Coralife hasn't come through with the replacement part for my CSS pump after 3.5 weeks. Plus they seem to be ignoring my emails. Nice. Just hooked up the GenX, and it's making foam like crazy...We'll see how it does. Guess I won't be buying that Coralife calcium reactor... __________________ GreyG35 "...with fronds like these, who needs anenomes..." Current Tank Info: 90 Gallon Reef with 30 Gallon Basement Sump - AM 2x250 MH, 2x54 T5 Actinics, CSS 220 Skimmer, 55 Gallon FW (starring 5 crazed clown loaches and a Black Ghost Knifefish named Bob)

03/21/2006, 07:08 PM	#3
dhnguyen Moved On Join Date: May 2004 Location: Kingston, WA Posts: 4,751	How large is that shaft? You might be able to replace it with a carbon fiber rod of the same diameter. The cf rods can be found at local hobby shops. D.

03/21/2006, 08:15 PM	#5
dhnguyen Moved On Join Date: May 2004 Location: Kingston, WA Posts: 4,751	Sedras aren't exactly cheap but they may work for the Coralife SS You could also try GenX needle wheel pumps too. The needle wheel from the Gen X is the same type as the Coralife's

03/21/2006, 10:20 PM	#7
dhnguyen Moved On Join Date: May 2004 Location: Kingston, WA Posts: 4,751	Gen X pumps are good pumps. As long as the gph rating is about the same as your current NW pump, you should be fine. D.

04/13/2006, 07:03 PM	#9
brad23 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bloomington IL Posts: 2,959	The 220 pump is rated at 500gph I believe __________________ Ye old English Current Tank Info: 75g reef

04/13/2006, 08:04 PM	#10
GreyG35 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Spencerport, NY (Rochester area) Posts: 186	The original CSS220 pump was 500gph. The GenX I bought is somewhere around 650. __________________ GreyG35 "...with fronds like these, who needs anenomes..." Current Tank Info: 90 Gallon Reef with 30 Gallon Basement Sump - AM 2x250 MH, 2x54 T5 Actinics, CSS 220 Skimmer, 55 Gallon FW (starring 5 crazed clown loaches and a Black Ghost Knifefish named Bob)