Emergency!!! Return pump just died!!!

Studjunior · Jun 25, 2013

My return pump on my 150g SPS dominated tank just died on me.... Given that it's midnight not much I can do at the moment.. I have 2 MP40 for flow. I'm freaking out my when my system was plumbed the guy that did it screwed up and didn't use ball valves!!! Now not only do I need a new pump ASAP I need to replumb the tank as well!!!

How long can my tank stay as is without he return pump on?? Any suggestions or tips on what I should/can do!!?

Thanks!!!

k2parkstar · Jun 25, 2013

Move your heater to your display. Flow and maintaining temp will get you through the night no problem.

KoleTang · Jun 25, 2013

Make sure to move your temp probe as well (if you have one).

If you are not one for plumbing, a local maintenance company should be able to get it fixed up for you pretty quickly.

Ian · Jun 25, 2013

get a cap to close off the bulkhead leading to the return pump from the inside.

From there you'll just have to deal with the water that's in the output of the pump...

Hope that helps...

rlman41299 · Jun 25, 2013

+1

k2parkstar said:
Move your heater to your display. Flow and maintaining temp will get you through the night no problem.

also are you sure that the pump died or just seized up on you due to dirt and debris down there. coul d also be a calcium buildup. just my .02. happened to me before.

Studjunior · Jun 25, 2013

How do I tell of it's dead or just seized up??? How can I unseize it???

KoleTang · Jun 25, 2013

Magi-Klean. Don't use vinegar.

Dave3112 · Jun 25, 2013

KoleTang said:
Magi-Klean. Don't use vinegar.

Care to elaborate on this statement?

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KoleTang · Jun 25, 2013

Dave3112 said:
Care to elaborate on this statement?

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Sorry. My sentences make less and less sense when it is late. Magi-klean is good for cleaning pumps. Vinegar, another pump cleaning solution, can break down the magnetic coating on the impeller and ruin the pump.

Dave3112 · Jun 25, 2013

Oh. Got ya. I've never heard of that. I've used vinegar for MANY (10+) years to clean any reef equipment and never had issues with it. I have learned something new, thank you!

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KoleTang · Jun 25, 2013

Dave3112 said:
Oh. Got ya. I've never heard of that. I've used vinegar for MANY (10+) years to clean any reef equipment and never had issues with it. I have learned something new, thank you!

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I think Mark Callahan goes over it in a video on magi-klean. The problem is that there is not much info on how much vinegar is safe use. Magi-klean is pretty cheap, so why risk it.

scrapz · Jun 25, 2013

as long as you have flow in the display you will be fine. as others said, just move your heater/controllers up to your main tank.

Studjunior · Jun 28, 2013

Finally gotten pump changed out last night. I'm now running the waveline DC 6000. It's a lot less flow then I had with the reeflo Snapper. Cane someone chime in on their thoughts. I hope it's enough flow through my sump....

It's a lot quieter than the reeflo and now that I'm running it in the sump I have a lot more room under my tank to put all my crap.

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