Stupid Breaking Pump...

I bought an ASM Mini G Protein Skimmer.
After a lot of adjustment, it finally seemed to be working great.
After a few months, the pump just stopped working.

I sent the pump back to the company, they took it back and sent me a new one.

The new one broke after about two weeks.

I'm not having any power problems, none of my other electronics are having issues. I checked to see if there's sand coming out and clogging it, but it's a hanging overflow and far away from the sand. I opened the pumps, there's no sand in them.

Anyone have any ideas?

It's really frustrating and confusing to me at this point. I've now been without a protein skimmer or any real filtration for almost 3 months now and everything is doing just fine, but it was nice to clean up the water.

 

what type of skimmer is it? air pump or water? i am not familiar with this skimmer. if air pump when and how often do you change the air "stone"

 

ASM Mini-G Protein Skimmer w/ PC-1000 Needle Wheel Pump

It's a needle wheel

there isn't any air stone

 

I occasionally take my pumps apart and soak them in a vinegar/water solution (about 5water to 1 vinegar). Scrub with a rag or toothbrush where you can. Let soak for for 20 mins. Then do the same in hot water, let soak for 20 mins, rinse.

My older rio's will also stop working, but this is usually after they are cruddy and I turn them off and they won't re-start.

 

Have you been in contact with the company regarding the problems with your pump?
I know how frustrating this can be but try not to get discouraged!
You do have filtration however in the form of biological filtration!!!! Live sand and rock afford you many benefits as far as helping your water to have respectible levels, not to mention all the filter feeders that you can see and don't see!
Hope all works out for you!

 

The reviews on the skimmer show that the pump constantly has problems. May be time to cut your losses and get something else. Sorry, but that's the only solution I can come up with.

 

lame! thanks for your help! yeah, all my levels are just fine. I just went out and bought another really small tank to put into my sump and I'm going to grow some plants in there to see if it will clean up the remainder...

thanks for the help though!