Clean return pump slows down after a few hours???

YellowSnow · Jan 5, 2015

I just cleaned my return pump. Took it apart and gave it a good scrub. When I turn it on it works fine. After a few hours it slows down dramatically. If I turn it off for 3 seconds and turn it back on it works fine. Any ideas? Help?

I have a 150g 6" tank with 1500 gph overflow from gl*******kit.com
Overflow Box 1500 GPH

The pump is a CustomSeaLife velocity T4 # 77840.
1225gph @ 3' head
CustomSeaLife,Inc.-Velocity

fishroomlady · Jan 5, 2015

I would say that something is up with it. I have no mechanical aptitude so what that something is, I'm not sure. Are you sure you put everything back together as it was? I'm sorry if that sounds like a mr. obvious question but I'd probably start by taking it apart again and then see if anything is awry.

scardall · Jan 5, 2015

idea's

Call or e-mail manufacture and ask them. Something might be loading down the pump. My bet is that the pump is over heating and thermally shutting down. You might be able to put some light oil on the shaft on the fan side of the pump. Now if the pump is real old, just replace it or Try replacing the impeller. "GenX" makes a cool pump with a great price to boot.

YellowSnow · Jan 5, 2015

Thanks everyone!

Not sure how old it is. Got the whole tank on craigslist. Everything included.

The company went out of business. I think they are called dolphin pumps now? Not sure where to get the impeller.

Going to try to take apart the other part of the pump and see what I can oil up.

YellowSnow · Jan 5, 2015

imgur.com/TtGcUcn

I took it apart. I dont see a fan. I did preposition it. It's sooo much stronger as my overflow on my ATS is going crazy.

Does the return nozel direction change the head pressure?

YellowSnow · Jan 5, 2015

Maybe it was cavitating before and the re-position fixed it? hmmm

scardall · Jan 6, 2015

Contact dolphin pumps. Icecap ballast was bought by coralvue. Coralvue still supported Icecap parts and warranty. So maybe dolphin will support , asuming they bought out those who made your pump. Nice to know for the future. It's cool that you got better flow now. I think yellowsnow might be right. Misalignment caused the cavitation and the pump would over heat. Just a thought. Best of Luck. :bigsmile: