my pump to my skimmer finally died

[Apon]

So my Velocity T4 pump (Custom Sealife) suddenly died. It must be at least 6 years old. How long do your pumps usually last? It runs into my ETSS 750 skimmer. I don't get much skimmate these days, so I am wondering also if anyone runs a skimmerless reef setup?

 

[Raddogz]

With the bioload you have in your setup a skimmer is a must in my opinion.

I though Jim aka Bookfish was running without one for awhile.

 

[Elite]

If you need a temporary pump, LMK man. I have a Iwaki (600GPH) that you can use for a little while.

 

[Mr. Ugly]

Aren't Tyree's tanks skimmerless, and set up to rely on sponges and other natural filtration?

I'm guessing that with all the clams, Arnold's tank might be ok skimmerless.

 

[Mr. Ugly]

Just get another $160 of clams instead of another T4

 

[Raddogz]

Don't remind him of the clams.

He has quite the collection going.

No external pump, but you can borrow a mag 9.5 to put to use.

 

[sfsuphysics]

I would worry if I didn't get much skimate. I know clams are filter feeders but they shouldn't be absorbing everything. (of course I'm not a clam pro). I would look into how your skimmer is being fed, bubble production, etc. I thought my skimmer was doing an ok job, then I got dudley's ASM with the sedra needlewheel and the foam that thing produced was out of this world, oh yah and it pulled out brown gunk like crazy not just wet foam.

Jim was(is?) running skimmerless, but he also is very religious about his water changes IIRC.

 

[Apon]

Good idea Norm, Yeah more clams....the big one is still unhappy, but he is looking alittle better. I thought it was a goner! You should go shopping with me on SAT. : )

Mike, I never get much skimmate in the past 2 years! I ran a skimmerless 40 gallon for years, but it was a softy tank. I am trying to change out 10 gallons a week on my 120 now.

I actually don't know how long the skimmer has been down. It could be for at least 2 weeks since I wasn't watching it. So how long did your pumps last? I may pull it apart to see if I can clean it or fix it.

Since all my gear was bought used about 4 years ago, I am double checking stuff. Eileen also says I need a new ph probe, so I will probably order sooner than later. Probably marine depot or reef geek. Anything else I should check.

 

[Raddogz]

Yeah, use those test kits =)

It's fun shopping with Arnold - he buys all the good stuff!

 

[Mr. Ugly]

I saw skimmers on Jim's tanks last time I was there

Yah, clean the pump. You might find it's just dirty, like when Dudley fixed the one he got that was "broken".