Skimmer Impellers

[George]

For anyone with a Euroreef or ASM skimmer with a Sedra pump (not sure if other skimmer manufacturers or pump makers would have a similar problem):

I recently noticed that my pump wasn't performing nearly as well and had to be "kick started" with air into the intake tube in order to produce foam in the skimmer. Otherwise, it just burbled. I took appart my pump and found not only high calcium buildup considering I'd just cleaned it recently, but a distended impeller magnet area. If you look at the photo, you'll see the bulge I found. Undoubtedly it produced more friction which would cause more buildup and potentially cause motor problems.

A new impeller was like getting a brand new skimmer. Apparently I hadn't noticed it for a while and now I had to jack my adjustment tube on my Euroreef way back down to not completely flood the collection cup.

Check your impellers regularly, especially if you bought your skimmer used.

[gwen_o_lyn]

Thanks George- I just replaced my sedra in the spring. It was about $100- kinda expensive, but about a week after being soaked in vinegar it burned out.

This reminds me that I need to do my yearly vinegar bath for my pumps and powerheads.

[George]

Yearly? Wow. I have to do it every couple months.

Though I am heavy on Kalkwasser and calcium dosing additives for all my clams. 5 in a probably 40 gallon total system.

[gwen_o_lyn]

Well I do a yearly thorough cleaning. Everything soaks for 24 hours and then I run everything for 24 hours.

I do small cleaning every few months too.