Average life of skimmer & skimmer pump

Discussion in 'Protein Skimmers' started by Biocube, Jul 25, 2012.

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  1. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    I was wondering what the average life of a typical skimmer and skimmer pump? I currently have the Tunze 9002 Skimmer v1 (2008). This little skimmer has been running since 2008! This model is so old they don't even sell the replacement pump anymore.

    In the back of my mind I am always thinking to myself "this thing is going to die someday soon", but should I really be thinking that?

    So should I prepare myself to buy a new skimmer or could this thing last years longer?
     
    Last edited: Jul 25, 2012
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  3. Dingo

    Dingo Giant Squid

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    the older they are the better quality they are lol!
     
  4. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    Yeah, but all good things come to an end someday. My concern is how much longer will this party train last?
     
  5. gcarroll

    gcarroll Zoanthid

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    You bought a quality product. I would not expect for it to end anytime soon. Most who buy Tunze find that they can last nearly forever if properly maintained. If you long for that feeling that it's gonna break soon, buy one of the lower quality skimmers from a far east manufacturer.
     
  6. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    I am not wanting to feel this way, thats why I asked the question about average life. I feel better knowing it will/could last longer. ;) And if the unit died today I would replace it with the same model, it has been a work horse.


    Thanks
     
  7. scadsobees

    scadsobees Fire Shrimp

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    Yeah, I wouldn't sweat it. They're like cars...some only go a few years, some can go forever. And sometime the transmission fails out of the blue. The longer they run, the longer that they're probably going to run.

    Start your skimmer fund if you are concerned, and just hang onto it when it's complete, till you need it.
     
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  9. zoo 4 life

    zoo 4 life Coral Banded Shrimp

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    I have an ASM skimmer with the Sedra 3500 pump that has been running since 07. I noticed earlier this year when I would unplug it or in a power outage it would not come back on without manually starting it which is a PITA! So, I bought a new pump. The old pump still works just fine but, if it ever stops spinning it will not re-start without manually starting it. I think 5 years is a good average for pumps of this sort. Be sure to clean it at least 2 times a year.
     
  10. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    Thanks Zoo! :)
     
  11. skurious

    skurious Sailfin Tang

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    If properly maintained I could see the skimmer going for years to come. Maybe start setting some cash away just in case something does happen.
     
  12. Scuba Ken

    Scuba Ken Ritteri Anemone

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    Buy a spare "will fit pump" let's be honest there isn't much else u can do anyway.

    Sounds like u bought a champion though