Swc 230 cone w/Askoll1500 pump problems

patrick · Sep 12, 2015

The askoll 1500 crapped out on me. I've looked everywhere for a replacment but so have had no luck. SWC is out of buisness apparently so getting a replacment pump I'm thinking is out of the question.
Can anyone tell me if there is another brand pump that is a for sure direct fit replacment.
I was looking at reef octopus dc5500 but befor I pull the trigger I though I would get some insite here first.
Thanks

bayoupr · Sep 12, 2015

Do a Google search for Laguna Max Flow 1500 pump. Several places still have these. Remove the cage, volute and impeller, the block is the same as the SWC pump. Unless your pinwheel is bad you should be good to go.

patrick · Sep 13, 2015

so the max flow laguana 1500 is the same pump as the askoll? Did they buy them out or it's just a copycat design? My concern would noise and hardware used. I wouldn't want this pump corroding/ oxidizing.
But I'm in a real tight spot here and need to resolve this problem fast!!
a 600$ skimmer 3 years old and there's no parts for the dang thing, unreal!!

jgraz · Sep 13, 2015

From what I understand the askoll is a Laguna. Also there is a red dragon that is also the same pump.
The problem is the 1500 is no longer made with any name on it. They are very few and far between. I wish you luck. I have the same skimmer but oddly mine has the Laguna named pump not the askoll name. Mine is running great. I've been looking for a backup just in case though.

patrick · Sep 13, 2015

What model red dragon? I've heard good things about them, except the price tag lol.
How's your Laguna noise wise?

jgraz · Sep 13, 2015

It's quiet. Not sure on the model RD. think it's also a 1500.
The pump block are all the same. 1 company 1 block. I think Laguna is the actual company. Could be wrong though. Only differences come with the venturi's and impellers and such.

bayoupr · Sep 13, 2015

Laguna is the brand. Red Dragon 1500, Vertex 1500 (New pumps have another name for them), SWC Askoll 1500, ATB 1400 MiniStar, all the same blocks different names = Laguna Max Flow 1500.

patrick · Sep 13, 2015

Ok so any of those will work then? Sorry if im being redundant.
My pump is vibrating when i plug it in but the impeller wont spin. I took it apart, gave it a vinegar bath for a few hours. I put it back together but it just wont spin. It will spin a half turn or so but lock up again.
I think its the impeller but oviously not sure.

patrick · Sep 13, 2015

I dont want to spend the cash and not work for my skimmer

jgraz · Sep 13, 2015

I would be sure it's not impeller then. That's a ton of money to blow only to find the impeller needs to be replaced.
Without the impeller any pump you get will be useless.

patrick · Sep 13, 2015

Where would I get an impeller for this pump then??

bayoupr · Sep 13, 2015

patrick said:
Where would I get an impeller for this pump then??

SWC is no longer around. I would measure the dia and thickness of the pinwheel, then get in touch with ATB north America and see if the AirStar 1400 will fit. I've had both the skimmer you have and the ATB1050 which uses the same Laguna 1500 and it looks like that pinwheel is close to the one you have in size. You could also look into one of the BK one's also.

jgraz · Sep 13, 2015

patrick said:
Where would I get an impeller for this pump then??

Million dollar question right there. If you narrow one down please post it here. I'm trying to find a pump and impeller to have as back up.

patrick · Sep 13, 2015

Alright thanks a bunch.
If I figure this thing out Ill post it here.
Im currently talking with atb-usa

markak · Sep 13, 2015

I have a SWC 250 1A skimmer and I just replaced the pump with a Bubble Blaster HY-3000 Pin Wheel Water Pump from Aqua cave an it fits perfect to the skimmer. And skimmer never did work as good as it does now.

patrick · Sep 13, 2015

What pump did you have before

patrick · Sep 13, 2015

markak said:
I have a SWC 250 1A skimmer and I just replaced the pump with a Bubble Blaster HY-3000 Pin Wheel Water Pump from Aqua cave an it fits perfect to the skimmer. And skimmer never did work as good as it does now.

Different style, my pump sits inside the skimmer.

markak · Sep 13, 2015

The askoll 1500 I beleive

markak · Sep 13, 2015

Ok ,,,,,,you have the newer model

patrick · Sep 14, 2015

Ive looked high and low for the sasquatch called laguna max flo 1500
It has been discontinued... Go figure!!! It has been replaced by the 1350
Before I buy one (laguna max flo 1350) if anyone knows where i can find a 1500 please let me know