Modify SWC 160

I currently have a swc160 skimmer on my 120. It performs relatively well enough. But one thing I hate is that periodically the pump randomly stops working. I have to take the skimmer out and mess with it till it restarts. Sometimes I have to just let all the water drain out and put it back under water and it starts working. Other times I have to completely disassemble and clean the unit with vinegar.

When I woke up this morning the skimmer was off. I could not get it to restart. I have taken in apart and soaked it all day. Visually it was not very dirty. I finally got it to turn on. I am so sick of this pump. Is there a mod I can do to this skimmer to add a different pump like a bubble blaster? I am not apposed to having the pump run outside the unit. This skimmer is only 6 mos old.

This unit might be on ebay by this weekend.

 

This is the only pump that will fit. I have the same skimmer. I don't have the shut off problems just the restart problems. I found that by simply blowing into the airline is enough to get it going give that a try instead of removing.
As I understand it is not the pump that is the problem but the impeller. A local reefer to me added a couple of nylon washers to the front of the impeller before it seat in the face plate of the pump and never had the issue again. I opted to just get a new impeller. But haven't put it in yet so I can't confirm whether it will work.

 

Thanks for the reply.

I have read others being able to blow into the airline to get the pump started, but that has never worked for me.

It is good to hear that it is a pinwheel problem. Maybe I can solve that issue with a new pin wheel.


The skimmer works really well when its on, I would hate to sell it, but I do not hear these kind of complaints from any other skimmer.

 

Also, i sent an email to SWC. I am curious as to what their response will be.

 

keep posting updates on what you find out, i'm curious because mine does the same thing, it has since it was brand new. ( a year old and it is doing it alot less though)

 

I have had to replace my pump on my old 160. It never had stop or start up issues, it was a threading issue where the the bubble diffuser screws into the pump. Atman pumps are not known to be great, but since I replaced my pump it has worked flawlessly for 18 months.

 

I had the same issues with noting starting up. It was under warranty got a new pump. Now i never unplug it, maybe once every 3 months for cleaning. I did notice that the airline can get clogged and that helps is start up.

 

I soaked the skimmer in vinegar overnight. I rinsed it and cleaned every little crevice. When I put the skimmer back the pump did not fit. I had to drill the base plate so that it fit snug. I did not notice this before but I guess it was not completely seated. It was vibrating a little so I had to mod a little.

Btw I did not receive any correspondence from swc.

I think this will be on Craigslist this weekend.


now I have to decide on a new one.

 

So the skimmer has been back in the sump for 24 hours. Skimming like a champ. I am torn as to get a new one or not.

All the new DC units make me want a new one.

Vertex Omega?