What to do??

dbenenh0 · Oct 16, 2016

Last night laying in bed I heard some funny sounds coming from my tank and went to take a look and found my return pump not working. After messing with it for 30 minutes or so (1:00 am at this point) I gave up and added heaters to the DT and a powerhead pointing toward the surface to create surface agitation and left it until this morning. After looking at the pump a little more it appears the motor is dead (only 3.5 months old). It is still under warranty so Ill be sending it back but looking for opinions on what I should do.

Options:

1. LFS opens at 12, I could go get the same brand pump today and have it back up and going. Not sure if they have other brands but I can look while I'm there.
2. Order a new pump (different brand) off the internet and have it wed/thurs.

I would like to do option 2 but not sure if that is to long to wait. Any help?

Pump that quit on me is a Jebao DC 1200, I would like to replace it with a Danner Mag 9.5

ReefKeeperElite · Oct 16, 2016

You should get your return up and running asap, so I would do 1. If you have the $ then the best option would be both 1 AND 2, then keep one pump as a spare for such emergencies.

dbenenh0 · Oct 16, 2016

No matter which option I go with Ill have a backup pump once I get a replacement under warranty, I would like to have two different pumps instead of two of the same though.

Just a few questions?

Why is it so important to have the return pump up and going? What is the difference between it providing surface agitation and another powerhead doing it? The only thing I have in my sump is a filter sock and a skimmer, which people run successful tanks without both all the time.

Viracon13 · Oct 16, 2016

I had to go a week or so without my return pump running as I was trying to fix it, then ended up ordering one online when I couldn't. I just moved my heaters to my display tank. Losing my skimmer, carbon and refugium for this long wasn't really noticeable.