Skimmer keeps getting clogged - need ideas

[CJ Monty]

I have a sca302 skimmer and becomes clogged requiring me to completely disassemble the pump and clean. When I open it does not seem to bad. I do notice some baby snail shells in there (they have been breeding in my tank). My guess that and maybe some algae built up and the pump stops spinning.

I was thinking of putting some sort of prefilter on it. Thoughts and or ideas are greatly appreciated.

 

[Crabs McJones]

What issue are you having? No bubbles, overflowing?

 

[Flippers4pups]

I have a sca302 skimmer and becomes clogged requiring me to completely disassemble the pump and clean. When I open it does not seem to bad. I do notice some baby snail shells in there (they have been breeding in my tank). My guess that and maybe some algae built up and the pump stops spinning.

I was thinking of putting some sort of prefilter on it. Thoughts and or ideas are greatly appreciated.

A prefilter will reduce the incoming flow. Maybe clean the sump of snails?

 

[mcarroll]

the pump stops spinning

Unless it's REALLY jammed with crud when you find it stopped, that sounds to me like a weak impeller or failing motor block to me.

How old it is? Does the impeller look scratched or swollen at all?

 

[CJ Monty]

Unless it's REALLY jammed with crud when you find it stopped, that sounds to me like a weak impeller or failing motor block to me.

How old it is? Does the impeller look scratched or swollen at all?

I just had them replace the pump so it is brand new.

 

[CJ Monty]

What issue are you having? No bubbles, overflowing?

Bubbles slowly get less and less. Then comes a humming sound with no water movement at all in the skimmer.

 

[CJ Monty]

A prefilter will reduce the incoming flow. Maybe clean the sump of snails?

Thanks that would be a losing battle, plus I like the snails. The eat some of the algae. I was thinking maybe there is a way for be to put a screen on top of the baffle that divides the section to stop them from flowing over.

 

[ca1ore]

It's the pump itself that's clogging ..... not the Venturi? Can you get a screen/strainer onto it?

 

[CJ Monty]

It's the pump itself that's clogging ..... not the Venturi? Can you get a screen/strainer onto it?

I am going to clean it out tomorrow. I am will check. Usually the venturi is clean. That is what I was thinking. Take a 200 micron mesh media bag and cut up a piece. Then zip tie it to the Venturi.