Anyone have a Eheim 3000 Return Pump,Or know if its self priming?

ProfitOfDoom · Jan 29, 2018

We bought all this stuff used and it works well "Eheim 3000 Compact Pump" but we were thinking of upgrading our sump and just looking over new components. This pump is rated for 400-800gph,,which is perfect for us,And it works fine. But the problem is if the power flickers or goes out,blown fuse,etc. The pump wont just start back up on its own when the power is restored. It turns on and you can hear it pumping but it wont pump the water up until you lift it out of the water,then after you lift it up for a few seconds and lower it back in the water,It pumps great.

So is this normal for this type of pump? or is something wrong with it?

Cae · Jan 30, 2018

Ive never had trouble with my Ehiem 3600 after a power outage. My pump doesn't have to pump that far either only about 1 metre. If it's only new maybe you should contact the manufacturer and do a video to show them the problem. Or take it back to the store you brought it from and show them the problem. Maybe it has sucked in air, mines in a spot that it can't take in any air.

ProfitOfDoom · Jan 31, 2018

Im not sure how old this pump is, Bought a used setup almost two years ago and this is still the same pump, So im guessing but I'd say the pump is atleast 5yrs old.

Took it apart today to inspect and clean..Only just rinsed the filter sponge before. Scrubbed it down with a toothbrush it needed a cleaning but wouldnt consider it filthy dirty.

Put it all back together and filled up the sink and did the same thing. Submerged it and plugged it in and very slight water flow barely enough to come out the top of pump " no hose attached" Then I lifted it up out of the water for a second or two and put it back in, and it shot up just about touching my kitchen ceiling! And will keep up that pace for weeks/months but as soon as it shuts off and it never got air and still submerged it wont pump until you lift it out of the water.

Blue Spot Octopus · Jan 31, 2018

It depends if you can live with the frustrations but if that is the only pump for circulation NO I would not keep it and get another pump. Maybe run it in some vinegar.

ProfitOfDoom · Feb 1, 2018

Yea,Im not sure if it's supposed to be like that or not,,But im thinking replace it. Whats a good pump,Was looking at the Sicce pumps,they seem to have a good review?

Blue Spot Octopus · Feb 2, 2018

I have the Eheim Compact 2000 and it moves alot of water, so the 3000 should be impressive. How big is your tank? Check out the Fluval line pumps, look at the Sp2 they go on sale on Amazon once in a while, and I see them for sale on the used market, price is around 100.

Blue Spot Octopus · Feb 2, 2018

http://www.aquacave.com/fluval-sea-sp2-water-pump-950-gph.html OK I lied LOL but I have seen these go on sale, these are really good pumps, they are big and take up a lot of room in the sump, I believe that they can be run external as well.
There are lots of real good choices out there , so budget will be helpful.