what is wrong with my pump?

[Simba]

Hello...I have a 65 gallon with a reef octopus skimmed and a 500gph pump. For the last 4 months the water in the return has been going up and down. Over the last few days I noticed that it does not move. If I unplug the pump and plug it back in it will go up and down again for a few times and then stop. I'm still new and not good with equipment...actually it scares me but I want to learn so my reef will be successful. Can anyone tell me what is wrong or is this ok?

 

[Reefing Madness]

Goes up and down, but is there any foaming going on? Have you cleaned out the pump of any debre? Did you check the airline going into the pump? This will get salt creep in it and gum up the whole works.

 

[Simba]

Thank you for the quick reply. No foam...I have not cleaned it yet. I've been researching the best way to clean it and found most suggest cleaning it once every six months so I've been continuing to read and watch youtube videos so I don't mess anything up. I did notice some build up in the airline. As I'm replying I looked over and its working again. I guess its time to stop researching and disconnect it to clean it. How often would you suggest cleaning it and do you use vinegar or bleach?

 

[Reefing Madness]

I clean mine out once a month, and same with the airline. I don't use anything but the hose out back and a little brush.

 

[Mcreefer]

I use vinegar and fresh water in a 5 G bucket. I drop the pump in there and plug it in. If a pump is really problematic I will take it apart all the way to the impeller, take that out and clean the hole out. If that doesn't cure the problem I'd replace the pump. I haven't used a skimmer in quite some time (downsized). But if you replace it you should look at the new DC pumps there coming out with. I would love to see a speed controlled DC pump on a skimmer. You could get it really dialed in.

 

[ReeferBob]

It sounds like it is surging. This happens when there is too much flow coming down to the sump. Try dialing back (reducing) the flow to your tank from your return pump.