Two Vortech questions

[Philwd]

I have a similar problem to thrlride but didn't want to hijack his thread. One Vortech running at ~ 50% power runs quiet then all of a sudden the tank seems to put out vibrating noise. Noise stays the same no matter how much I dial the Vortech up or down. Its day 2 of the break in. Since this behavior just starts up I didn't think it was part of the normal break in. Especially since the other pump is running at 80% power and doesn't do this. I got it to stop only when I unplugged the unit and plugged back in. I have them running on the wavemaker function of the AC jr.

Second question has to do with the adhesive used on the cord tie downs. I feel silly having done this. I lined up the vortech then placed the adhesive part down. After a short trial realized one coral really didn't like where I put the pump and decided to move it. But when I went to take off the adhesive sticky it not only wouldn't come off until I took an acrylic scraper to it. Once I did it left a very thin residue on the acrylic. Do you know what will clean this off without harming the acrylic? I figure more people will have to deal with this as we move the pumps around. That sure is industrial strength adhesive there!

Thanks in advance

Phil

[wbeavers]

Can't help you with the stick tape, but the problem with the vibration is most likely due to a misaligned pump. Sometimes just adjusting the speed quickly can realign the pump. Did you clean the internal surface before installing the pump? This is a must or the pump will tend to rotate; there by causing vibration due to misalignment.

[Philwd]

Well its not always doing the vibrating. If it is was I would say misaligned. it started after about a minute. I forgot to mention I did try and re-align when I heard it but it didn't get better until I completely turned off the pump. When I turned back on it was ok and has been for the past couple hours. I did clean the interior surfaces very well. Its tough to describe the sound. It seemed to be coming from the tank more than the pump. Almost like something was resonating.

[sidog1]

philwd, it may take a couple more days. mine took like 3 or 4 days to break in but it finally got quieter. i have it on a 38 gallon so i couldnt put it on full blast to break in quicker...

[EcoTech Marine]

Philwd-

Like has been mentioned by other VorTech users, the sounds you're hearing are most likely an aligment thing. You are correct in assuming that you are hearing a resonating sound from the inside of the tank as that is exactly what is happening. As the pump gets further broken in, this kind of sound will go away completely. Sometimes minor adjustments in position are critical to get any sounds to work themselves out, but once you have it in a position where it works well, don't mess with it as it needs to remain stationary to get completely silent.

Regarding the sticky tape. I would use an acrylic safe solvent to remove the residue. I think rubbing alcohol is safe, but wait for someone else to chime in to confirm this.

-Tim

[BraenDead]

I usually use oils to help remove various adhesives (such as WD-40 - a good non-polar substance) - I think these should also be acrylic safe.

Bob

[CodeBlue]

I have used Rubbing Alcohol on acrylic with out a problem. Just use a very soft cloth or the cloth will cause scratches.

[Freed]

What is a Vortech?

[Philwd]

Thanks for the help. The resonating has not repeated and the pumps sound pretty good. You have to be within 2 feet to hear them at all. I'll try some rubbing alcohol on the adhesive.

Thanks for a wonderful pump. I can't wait for the battery backup. Storm season in Arizona starts in July. Hint hint. :D Would you be able to comment on a footprint for the batteries so I can scope out where they will go?

[CodeBlue]

BTW how are the two vortechs working in your 150? Do you get a good spread? Any other punps running in the tank aside from the return? I have a 120 and was thinking about two of them.