SWC 250 Skimmer Pump Replacement advice

[deep_blue15]

My skimmer pump died this weekend on my SWC 250 skimmer. I’m looking for a good replacement. Is the Bubblemaster 5000 suitable? Anyone have this on a similar skimmer that might provide some insight? I need to order a replacement pump today.

My tank:
225g mixed reef with medium bioload, plus plumbed into same system is a 40 gallon LPS only tank.

Any recommendations are appreciated.

 

[-Logzor]

I have the bubbleblaster 3000 on my SWC 200 (I think mine was the Octopus version), does a fantastic job and it screwed right onto the original body. 100x better than the sicce pump....

 

[luke33]

Deepblue, when you say it died what happened to it?

 

[deep_blue15]

Deepblue, when you say it died what happened to it?

It starts up, begins to push bubbles into the skimmer and then shuts off when the cone is half full. I opened it, cleaned it (it wasn't too dirty since I cleaned it less than 60 days ago). After cleaning, reassembled and put back in the the sump and did the same thing. The magnet is still very smooth and everything looks good inside. I assumed it is bad internals of the pump not being able to turn the magnet on the shaft. Do you think I'm on the right track? Thanks for the feedback.

 

[deep_blue15]

I have the bubbleblaster 3000 on my SWC 200 (I think mine was the Octopus version), does a fantastic job and it screwed right onto the original body. 100x better than the sicce pump....

I've read pretty good reviews on this pump. So the 5000 version would likely be a good fit on the 250 model. I left an email message with SWC to inquire what they recommend, but they only allow email communications from their website. I appreciate your feedback.

 

[luke33]

Well, tough to say if the pump is bad or whats going on. I have seen calc buildup on the bottom of the shaft and it sticks to the shaft holder on bottom. When that happens it can cause things like that, but its not something that happens often. And when you clean it your good. My suggestion would be to do one of two things, you can buy a motorblock for around 100bux or you could put a bblaster5000 on there. The askol is a better pump but nothing wrong with the bb5000. The motorblock used is a laguna maxflo 1600. Its the pump everyone calls the askoll, red dragon, air star....etc. HTH

 

[deep_blue15]

Well, tough to say if the pump is bad or whats going on. I have seen calc buildup on the bottom of the shaft and it sticks to the shaft holder on bottom. When that happens it can cause things like that, but its not something that happens often. And when you clean it your good. My suggestion would be to do one of two things, you can buy a motorblock for around 100bux or you could put a bblaster5000 on there. The askol is a better pump but nothing wrong with the bb5000. The motorblock used is a laguna maxflo 1600. Its the pump everyone calls the askoll, red dragon, air star....etc. HTH

Yes, I it's a wierd one. I have always mainteneanced the pump and kept it clean. It is pretty much spotless inside. I think it just took a dirt nap on me. I think I'm going to order the BB 5000 and give it a shot. I appreciate your feedback and advice.

 

[ignatz]

I have a Bubbleblaster 5000 on a Euroreef CS-12. It's a monster and does a great job on my 220. I bought my Bubbleblaster used and when I first brought it home, I had a similar problem. The problem went away when I re-arranged the skimmer's output pipe so the exit was much deeper in the sump. I think it increased back pressure. HTH.

 

[deep_blue15]

I have a Bubbleblaster 5000 on a Euroreef CS-12. It's a monster and does a great job on my 220. I bought my Bubbleblaster used and when I first brought it home, I had a similar problem. The problem went away when I re-arranged the skimmer's output pipe so the exit was much deeper in the sump. I think it increased back pressure. HTH.

Thanks ignatz. I ordered the Bubbleblaster today. Hopefully it will resolve my pump problems.

 

[VegasRick]

You need to make sure the bearings are not seized up on the front face plate. The bearings should not move on the face plate. Get some needle nose and hold it still while spinning the shaft. A soak in vinegar will probably help.

 

[krazyonetime]

SWC pump

ASKOLL 1500 nothing less . you'll have amazing performance and it WILL last! I use an SWC 250a and it is by far the best skimmer in this size range habds down.