Sedra Pump Problem...

[ChrisRD]

I own a CS6-1 model Euro-Reef skimmer and I'm having a problem with the Sedra 3500 pump. This unit is 2+ years old.

I returned home from a weekend out-of-town to find the pump not working. I disassembled the pump and soaked everything in vinegar (I do this periodically as regular maintenance anyway) and gave it a good cleaning. I reassembled the pump and it seemed to be working great, for about 15-20 minutes...

The pump stopped again suddenly. I tried unplugging and plugging-in the pump, but nothing happened. I waited about 15 minutes, plugged the pump back in and it worked great again. About 5 minutes later it stopped again. This process is repeatable (I've done it several times now).

Not sure what the problem is. The pump and impeller assembly are very clean - nothing seems to be binding, no odd noises. The pump just suddenly stops working. If I unplug it and let it sit for about 15 minutes I can restart it just by plugging it back in. Any ideas as to what the problem (and solution) might be?

I've written to Euro-Reef, but figured I'd ask here as well. Thanks in advance for any help...

 

[Anonymous]

don't know much about reefs, but I know a little about electric/electronic systems.

Does the pump get warm?

could be the electric motor going out

 

[Anonymous]

Interesting.. - Definitely sounds like an electrical issue not "mechanical". Probably in the windings for the stator.

Not that that does you much good really.. (Except that it's probably going to be more headache to try and fix on your own than its worth..)

Sorry, but it sounds like an out-of-warranty pump replacement just got dropped in your lap.. I'd call Euro-reef to find out the cost and take it from there..

 

[ChrisRD]

Wow, thanks for the quick responses.

I'll check to see if it's getting warm during the run times.

I'm assuming it's an eletrical issue as well because the impeller assembly doesn't seem to be binding. I'd just like to make sure because if I purchase a replacement pump, it doesn't come with an impeller assembly.

Any other input welcome...

 

[Len]

Try this before you change the pump. Plug it in (connected to the skimmer of course), and then blow into the air intake plumbing. My skimmer, after the years, has ceased to come back on by itself after power disruption. I need to blow into the air intake to kick start it.

Other then that, you might just have to replace it :?

 

[ChrisRD]

I'll give that a try - thanks Len.

 

[Anonymous]

I need to blow into the air intake to kick start it.

Reminds me of the 'old days' when I had a BBS in Philly that was run on RLL hard drives.. I had to take the dust cover off the primary 0 drive and spin the platters up to get it going again after an outage.

Good luck Chris, hope it works out easy..

 

[Anonymous]

good lord diver, you have been geeking for a long time! (I'm a not so well paid geek myself)

 

[leftovers]

note that you wont need a completely new pump (impeller, motor etc...) you can just order a motor from several places...the best is Marine Depot ime

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_pro ... sp?CartId=


good luck

 

[ChrisRD]

Well, the pump doesn't seem unusually hot when it stops and blowing in the venturi intake line doesn't do much (except make nice bubbles in the sump ).

My guess is the impeller stuck and the motor was probably permanently damaged from sitting like that plugged-in...

I haven't heard back from Euro-Reef today. Looks like the next stop is Marine Depot...

Thanks for the input folks.

 

[PeeJ]

(except make nice bubbles in the sump ).

HAHAHAH. Man that's good for a laugh.

 

[GSchiemer]

My guess is that the motor is overheating and shutting down. After a few minutes of cooling, it will start to run again. Have you checked the wiring for shorts?

Greg

 

[Anonymous]

My Berlin Turbo pump doesn't start after power outages either. But if if I clean the pump and reassemble it it works again. I think it may have something to do with the magnetic charges.

 

[Anonymous]

I always thought Euroreef only sold Sedra pumps to Euroreef customers. From what I gather anyone can buy a Sedra pump from marinedpot.com. So why don't I just build my own skimmer out of acrylic, use a Sedra pump, and save myself a whole lot of money?

 

[ChrisRD]

My guess is that the motor is overheating and shutting down. After a few minutes of cooling, it will start to run again. Have you checked the wiring for shorts?

That's what it seems like is happening. The pump can trip my GFI sometimes when I plug it in now.

I've ordered a replacement pump motor.

 

[ChrisRD]

I always thought Euroreef only sold Sedra pumps to Euroreef customers. From what I gather anyone can buy a Sedra pump from marinedpot.com. So why don't I just build my own skimmer out of acrylic, use a Sedra pump, and save myself a whole lot of money?

Marine Depot doesn't sell the fully assembled unit - just the motor alone, impeller assembly alone, volute & venturi alone, etc. If you purchased everything you needed it would close to $200, even for the smallest pump - definitely not worth it.

If you're interested in DIYing a needle wheel skimmer, check out Premium Aquatics. They sell Ocean Runner pumps complete with venturi and needle wheel impellers that would work for this. I thought about just buying one of these units to replace my Sedra on the ER but I don't feel like messing with it to adapt it.

 

[ChrisRD]

Here they are Matt:

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=Oceanrunner

I bet the OR2700 (basically an OR 2500 with venturi and needle wheel) pump could replace the Sedra 3500 on my ER. I'd just have to adapt it to fit...

 

[leftovers]

why diy it when all you need to buy is the motor and have a 100% factory unit that will work 100% as designed....also i would take a sedra over any Ocean runner for the very reason you can buy only the parts you need to replace...

 

[ChrisRD]

Marine Depot is out of stock on the Sedra 3500 replacement motors and apparently Euro-Reef will be closed for the next couple of weeks (vacation). Looks like it will be a wait of several weeks unless someone else has them in stock...

 

[ChrisRD]

BTW, just thought I'd mention that Marine Depot refunded my PayPal account in a matter of minutes when I cancelled the backorder. Their customer service is second to none.