Reef Octopus NW-110 skimmer not starting up

Hi, I have a reef octopus NW-110 skimmer in my sump. It's been skimming for almost exactly 3 months now. My problem is when I turn it off to clean the cup, the pump won't start back up. It's done this 3 or 4 times now. Last night, I put my finger over the water inlet hole on the pump and then it fired right up. I tried unplugging it, plugging it back in again in the past and it would finally start.

I take it, that this is not normal? I have taken the skimmer motor apart and clean/vinegar soaked 2 months ago when I didn't rinse my GFO well enough. So I don't imagine it's a calcium buildup.

Could the pump be going bad? Could it be anything else? Could there be more buildup in that short of time? Could I ask anymore questions... whoops

thank you!
Matt

 

Id take it apart and clean the impeller. If there is any additional build up in the pump body a vinegar soak will take care of it. Its better to be safe than sorry and clean your skimmer pumps pretty often. If its a faulty pump Reef Octo will take care of you. Their customer service is 2nd to none.

 

I was going to do that this weekend when I slap together a water change. I figured I'd take the whole skimmer out, disassemble and soak for an hour or so.

Thanks norgy

 

Thats a good idea. I should take my own advice and clean my skimmer more... lol By the way I may be available this weekend to swing by and check out your tank man. Its been a while since Ive seen it.

 

Cool, I'll be around, hit me up.

 

Take a good look at the magnet on the impeller as they swell and crack over time.

 

This problem is common with these pumps. They must be cleaned regularly...like every few weeks. Soak in vinegar for a bit, and run the pump in the vinegar solution for an hour. Rinse and reconnect.

 

I'll check Vinny.

FOD, Ahh, good to know. boo to more cleaning. ;D

thanks all!

 

double bubble