Skimmer Question

Bubba12 · Feb 8, 2016

Last night I unplugged my skimmer to empty it and when I plugged it back in it did not start back up. Does anyone have any suggestions? It is only about six months old, and I was not expecting it to fail all ready. My fish are all currently in QT for a bout of ich so my bio lad remains low. If it needs replaced do I have time to order a new one before some catastrophic happens in, my tank?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Feb 8, 2016

Pumps in reef aquariums often get calcium carbonate deposits on the warm internal parts, and can cause pumps to seize up, especially after a power failure.

I'm not sure what sort of pump yours sues, but assuming it is getting electricity properly and still does not run, I'd take it apart and soak the impeller and pump (if it is a subersible) in vinegar (straight) overnight to remove the deposits. If it is an external pump, still soak any internal p[arts that are exposed to water.

143MPCo · Feb 8, 2016

It sounds like the impeller is stuck, have you tried removing, disassembling, and cleaning it?
It might just have some foreign object inhibiting its ability to turn and run normally.

Bubba12 · Feb 8, 2016

I haven't taken it out to clean it yet, but I was hoping that may be the issue. I broke my leg a couple of days ago and have to wait for some assistance. Am I right to assume I have a few days to get this done?