Split impeller

[Slick Fork]

Hi there,

So my Skimmer started running really loud over the weekend. Finally took the pump apart to figure out what was going on with it and it turns out the impeller magnet has cracked and swollen.

So, J&L list them as back-ordered and I have an email out to Concept to see if they carry it. In the meantime, where do I run the bigger risk? Running the magnet in the skimmer and possibly exposing my tank further to whatever leaches out of the magnet, or going skimmerless until I can track down a replacement impeller?

Also, anyone know of any retailers I should try to see if they've got one and can ship to Red Deer? It's a vertex in-180 with the Resun pump.

Thanks,

[Madmak]

Any chance you can run a different pump until you find the replacement part?

[Slick Fork]

No extra pumps that would work unfortunately.

[The Grizz]

Send me a pic of how the pump hooks up Chris, I might have a pump you could use until you find an impeller.

[Slick Fork]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8377/8508449425_2e70b8c765.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chdeeth/8508449425/)
DSC01101.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chdeeth/8508449425/) by CDeeth (http://www.flickr.com/people/chdeeth/), on Flickr

Here's a shot of it out of water, the connection to the skimmer body is metric, a 1" female is too big and a 3/4" female is too small. The connection is about 5 and 1/4" up the body of the skimmer.

Reading now that the "IN" series by vertex is discontinued in favour of their upcoming omega series, doesn't bode well for replacement part hunting.

[The Grizz]

You could do a mod and add a 90* hose fitting & glue it into the water inlet, then use a Dc5000 pump & a little bit of hose. I will have a look when I get home from my job tomorrow & see if I have anything that might work.

[Slick Fork]

A mod may be an idea we will have see.

Another question; the impeller magnet is swollen at the split, and bulges out about a quarter inch on one side near the bottom. Will that have wrecked the pump by wearing down the walls inside the housing?

[The Grizz]

Yes & eventually it will completely seize up & cause the pump to overheat totally wrecking the pump.


Stay clear..... this Bear bites off limbs!!

[Slick Fork]

Hmmm,

So is there any reliable way to guesstimate the damage done to the pump already. I noticed the noise started last week and got really loud over the weekend but I didn't get a chance to tear it apart until last night, so lets say 5 or 6 days of noticeable loudness and god knows how long it's been banging around without me noticing.

I don't know how keen I am to throw $45 after a new impeller if the pump only has a limited life left

[The Grizz]

It's hard to say the damage done. It could last months with a new impeller but it could just be days. Unless you where in the market to replace the whole skimmer I would look at doing a mod to a more reliable pump.


Stay clear..... this Bear bites off limbs!!

[scubadawg]

If it's a Resun Pump, David at Aquagiant sells Resun and SunSun? SenSen? pumps, Do you know the pump specs? I only live 3 mins away, I can check it out for you, if he has something

[fencer]

check the internal surface of the pump for wear. You could get a sedra pump to replace it

[mike31154]

My opinion would be to go with a new pump as well. One with a better impeller design. Even if you can source a new impeller for the current pump, the same thing will eventually happen down the road. I had the same thing happen with a penguin brand power head I used mostly for mixing NSW. Seized up on me. I haven't bothered trying to repair it, it's a relatively cheap powerhead.

Here's a photo of what that impeller looks like after the plastic outer cover for the magnet failed.

https://tsl4pa.blu.livefilestore.com/y1pdcitijXs8wYzVryh98QNy8ojO1lxv4Tosmjw-UPE1jx_Gq14srcyUVWkMmKKp5sQAM8M9fqWnE0/P1030295a.JPG?psid=1

It's quite likely the inside of your pump where the impeller runs is scored & damaged. Might be minor but why risk it.

[globaldesigns]

I would give Dave/Denny a call, look into the Bubble Blaster pump

[Slick Fork]

Thanks for all the advice and offers so far.

I think I can say that I'm convinced a new impeller will likely end up being $50 I should've spent on a new pump or skimmer. I'll have to chew on that one for the rest of the evening.

A new pump and needlewheel looks like it will be from $140 to $200 depending on brand, etc. looking at the new vertex omega 150 at $389 or the bubble magus nac 7 at $260 might be a better value for my money as I get to move to a cone shapes skimmer...