(Solved) Marineland 300 - How to remove pump

Part of the recommended maintenance on the Marineland 300 skimmer is to clean the venturi intake and needle monthly. Problem is I cannot find any directions on how to get pump out of the skimmer. I tried just pulling on it, but I'm afraid I'll break something if I pull any harder.

Anyone have experience with this skimmer can tell me how to remove the pump?

 

I have the same skimmer. I pull pull hard and wiggle it around, and it eventually comes out. I've never got it to come out easily yet.

The adaptor that connects the pump to the skimmer body is in there pretty tight...and it does sort of feel like you're about to break something is it comes out. I think I've come closer to breaking my fingers than I have to breaking the skimmer though. ;-)

If you disconnect the air hose to the venturi needle before pulling on the pump, you may find it easier to get out.

 

Just like toronto guy said. I had one of these skimmers once it just pulls out from the bottom. might take a bit ol elbow grease. I dont think you need to do it monthly but every couple should do. Mine was always clean in the pump but the venturi would plug sometimes.

 

Thanks to both of you. I held it tight in my left arm, pulled hard with my right hand (after removing hose), and it came out.

 

+1 I've gone a few months in between cleanings and found nothing really worth cleaning when I did take it apart. I run filter floss as a prefilter in my sump and change it often though. So, cleaning it once a month would be a bit excessive for me.

If you have no sort of filter sock, it may get dirtier though.

 

I only use a sock if I see a lot of stuff floating in my water, then only for a day.

I've been running this skimmer for 4-5 months. It seems to work well for me. When I took it apart, I found very little. HOWEVER, the "needle" had broken in half. I put it back together, and now the skimmer doesn't work. I will be calling Marineland today to see about getting a replacement plus a few spares. So unfortunately, running without a skimmer for now.

 

Just got off the phone with Marineland. They are sending me 2 new needle wheel impellers (I asked for an extra, just in case) free under warranty!;D

THANK YOU MARINELAND!