Return Pump Went Out

Mario0240 · Feb 10, 2020

So what do you guys suggest doing, until a new one can be obtained?

LIterally asking for a friend. His went out on him last night. He's got a Simplicity 1000 and said it just wouldn't power up for him. He tried everything I could think of (breakers, different plug, resetting the power strip, etc.) and nothing worked. He's got a new one on its way now, but we're both worried about the tank until it gets here.

Csr1978 · Feb 10, 2020

Did you try disassembling and cleaning all the parts? It could be stalling or stopping due to friction from calcification.

make sure the powerheads are running non-stop in the display tank to keep the water moving. I would also make sure that going forward there's always a second return pump ready to go on the shelf.

Indytraveler83 · Feb 10, 2020

Does he have a powerhead running? Is the heater in the tank or sump?

If he can get heat and water movement in the display, it'll buy him some time.

AbjectMaelstroM · Feb 10, 2020

Make sure powerheads are going and maybe considering adding an air stone or two, but I would think he should be fine for a day or two. Maybe do a small WC after 24 hrs.

If heaters are in the sump move them to display tank.

In the meantime open up the return pump and check impeller for buildup.

lapin · Feb 10, 2020

All of the above
It is a DC pump with controller. I would call customer support as soon as they open. It could be the pump or controller.
I would test the controller and pump with the new one coming to isolate the issue.
They have something called
• Automatic power-off protection.
I dont know what that means and they dont explain it.

Mario0240 · Feb 10, 2020

Indytraveler83 said:
Does he have a powerhead running? Is the heater in the tank or sump?

If he can get heat and water movement in the display, it'll buy him some time.

He has 3 power heads moving water. I told him to move the heater into the tank, and out of the sump for now.

Mario0240 · Feb 10, 2020

lapin said:
All of the above
It is a DC pump with controller. I would call customer support as soon as they open. It could be the pump or controller.
I would test the controller and pump with the new one coming to isolate the issue.
They have something called
• Automatic power-off protection.
I dont know what that means and they dont explain it.

That's what i was going to suggest to him. Hopefully, it its just the controller, he'll have a good back up pump in case it happens again.

Sisterlimonpot · Feb 10, 2020

Have him take it apart, like he would when he cleans it and ensure it's not just a simple cleaning that it needs.

In the mean time keep the powerheads running and he might consider adding an air stone in the display

artieg1 · Feb 10, 2020

I had a sump go off line for 4 weeks, while it was being rebuilt. Just add heater(s) and powerhead(s) to the DT and feed less than usual. No issues, assuming your tank is established.