6100 has failed

[joelsaxton]

What is the best way to go about returning this? It no longer works, it creates an alarm sound about 2 seconds after I plug it in and the propeller does not move. I have taken it apart and removed the deposits after soaking the parts. The manual is not very explicit, so what should I do?

[rvitko]

Are you sure all parts of the drive unit are free? Particularly the upper bearing is free of the magnet and the hole in the center of the magnet is clear of debris.

[joelsaxton]

I took the drive unit apart and soaked it for a day but I will do it again and see if it helps. I will get back to you tomorrow.

[rvitko]

Just specifically check these parts, frequently the upper bearing is cemented to the magnet and the hole in the magnet is plugged in this condition the parts cannot move, they have no lubrication and they have to drag a snug fitting part that is supposed to be static. This accounts for easily 90% of supposed pump failures.

[joelsaxton]

I cannot remove the inner o-ring seal using a small screwdriver like it is stated in the instructions - is this necessary?

[joelsaxton]

never mind it's ok - thanks for the help.

[reefah]

what was wrong with it? how'd you fix the problem?

[joelsaxton]

I cleaned it a second time and that seemed to do the trick. I guess these pumps need to be taken apart every 3-4 months or so when they get clogged by calcium carbonate deposits.

[rvitko]

Yes, they actually run cooler and deposit less calcium than other pumps as a result but the tolerances are much tighter so even half the build up causes a problem. If we increase the tolerance we lose the energy efficiency so it is a trade off.

[plankton]

Roger,

How often should a pump be pulled from a reef tank and cleaned?

Let me know if this is an old topic, but are there particular run modes that will allow the impeller to last the longest?

TIA

Scott

[rvitko]

The life of the impeller isn't really an issue but the span between cleaning is going to be best if the pump is never off. When the pump is off heat from the core rises into the impeller chamber and this degasses CO2 raising the pH and precipitating lime. As long as the pump is running it is never more than 1 degree C over the ambient tank temperature inside. I would check the pump every 3 months, if it has minor build up just plan to run it in vinegar and water mixed 50/50 for an hour in a bucket near the tank. This way you don't have to disconnect anything. If you have a lot of buildup do the same but brush the parts every hour or so to help get the deposits off and double check Calcium and KH values to be sure they are not excessive.

[plankton]

Roger - Thanks for the detailed explanation.

Scott