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View Full Version : CSS220 Pump Died!


GreyG35
03/21/2006, 06:26 PM
I looked in my sump last night, and my skimmer (Coralife Superskimmer 220 Needlewheel) was not making any bubbles. So, I took apart the pump, and discovered that the shaft that goes through the impeller / megnet assembly had snapped in half. Sent an email to ESU, and they said they will send me a new part under warranty, but it will take 2 weeks because they are out of stock!

So, can I leave my system with no skimmer for 2 weeks?

Or, should I just suck it up and buy a better pump? If so, where do I find a good needlewheel pump, and what size should I get?

I know this has probably been discussed in the giant CSS thread, but I can't seem to find it since search isn't working -- sorry if this is a common question.

Thanks!

PiNaPLeX
03/21/2006, 06:36 PM
you could try doing frequent more water changes in the next 2 weeks to keep nitrates down

dhnguyen
03/21/2006, 07:08 PM
How large is that shaft? You might be able to replace it with a carbon fiber rod of the same diameter. The cf rods can be found at local hobby shops.


D.

GreyG35
03/21/2006, 08:07 PM
The shaft is pretty thin -- maybe 1-2 mm and about 3 inches long (just going from memory). Not to mix systems of measurement! :p

I'm starting to think that a more powerful pump would be good, anyway. Any recommendations on something that will fit? Sedra, maybe?

Thanks!

dhnguyen
03/21/2006, 08:15 PM
Sedras aren't exactly cheap but they may work for the Coralife SS

You could also try GenX needle wheel pumps too. The needle wheel from the Gen X is the same type as the Coralife's

GreyG35
03/21/2006, 10:05 PM
Found the GenX 2400 LPH needlewheel pump at premium aquatics for $50. Is that enough water volume (600+ GPH)? Does anyone have experience with GenX pumps? Are they any good?

If it's going to come apart in a year, I think I'd rather spend more on a Sedra or something more reliable. Not too many needlewheel pumps out there, though.

dhnguyen
03/21/2006, 10:20 PM
Gen X pumps are good pumps. As long as the gph rating is about the same as your current NW pump, you should be fine.

D.

GreyG35
04/13/2006, 05:15 PM
Ordered the GenX 2400 LPH needlewheel this week, since Coralife hasn't come through with the replacement part for my CSS pump after 3.5 weeks. Plus they seem to be ignoring my emails. Nice. :mad2:

Just hooked up the GenX, and it's making foam like crazy...We'll see how it does.

Guess I won't be buying that Coralife calcium reactor...

brad23
04/13/2006, 07:03 PM
The 220 pump is rated at 500gph I believe

GreyG35
04/13/2006, 08:04 PM
The original CSS220 pump was 500gph. The GenX I bought is somewhere around 650.