Help with CPR Dual BakPak skimmer, please :)

Korrine · 03/06/2009, 08:36 PM

I'm totally new to the skimmer....ok new to everything saltwater

Was debating on posting this in New to the Hobby, but it's an equipment question.

I bought this second hand CPR Dual BakPak 2 Skimmer and I'm having issues understanding it

Like this :
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...09&pcatid=4409

Now am I right to think that water goes up the pumps that hang into the tank or does it get sucked in by that big tube in the middle? I'm assuming the airline tubing goes up the top to suck in the air for the air injection...right? I have the tubing for the second one, however the plastic piece that attaches to the pump is slightly cracked. Will I be able to silicone that and have it hold ok? It doesn't look to be a real bad crack.

Any help so sooooo appreciated. Please don't make fun of ignorance to bad

poolkeeper1 · 03/06/2009, 08:45 PM

The large pipe in the middle is the return, and you are correct the air line stays above the water level to introduce air into the pumps which fill the chambers with the air/water mixture, the cups can be adjusted up and down to get the proper foam in the neck of the unit which removes the bad stuff!! The only problem I seen with this model is air bubbles going back into the tank and being hard to stop them. Not the best or the worse skimmer out there, Good Luck!

Korrine · 03/06/2009, 08:46 PM

What about putting something over the return to slow the bubbles or trap them that would still let the water flow through...and won't back up the skimmer?

Korrine · 03/07/2009, 04:44 AM

Does anyone that uses this skimmer have good luck with it?

crab0000 · 03/07/2009, 06:09 AM

I had one and it was decent for the price. I would just try to use some super glue to fix the crack in the air intake.

Korrine · 03/07/2009, 08:15 AM

I don't think I can use super glue b/c that part is in the water. Won't it leach bad things? I was thinking aquarium silicone would be safe? Or is there a cheaper alternative?

I only paid $85 for the $230 skimmer so I feel that as long as I can get it working, I've received a good deal.

redfishsc · 03/07/2009, 09:06 AM

No, superglue is perfectly reef safe, even when uncured unless you dump a pint of it over in your tank. Will work fine.

You can get superglue at the Dollar store for, well, a dollar, hard to be cheaper than that. You can use any viscosity, it will seal it up. The thicker the better but it really doesn't matter for this.

Korrine · 03/07/2009, 04:11 PM

Wow that interesting. I guess I thought it was bad. My tanks only 29g.

Thanks

shleprock30 · 03/07/2009, 04:44 PM

Wait until you super glue or epoxy a coral frag down..

This is pretty interesting reading:...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyanoacrylate

Korrine · 03/10/2009, 04:45 PM

Ok, I've glued it and have it set up and running in the tank. Just filled the tank w/RO water and doing a "test run" w/my eqipment before I go all out.

What I used to glue it

This is what I glued.

The little piece goes on the knob to the left of the air tube.

http://s248.photobucket.com/albums/g...t=100_4907.flv
Here's a video of the skimmer. It is noisy and sounds like it's not working right. I don't think the bubbles are forming adequately. Help!!!

LooseHip · 03/10/2009, 05:28 PM

its possible that the "nipples" on the pump where the airline connect to are clogged. I would give both the pumps a vinager bath to dissolve the deposits that may be clogging it. I had a cpr backpak skimmer a while ago, and would have to clean out the connectors every now and then...

Korrine · 03/10/2009, 05:33 PM

We've pulled it apart and looked and the nipples are fine. It's only that one pump that I had to glue. We're looking at the impeller currently. Would putting some petrol jelly on it help it spin? My hubby thinks it might stick a tid bit. 100% petrol jelly reef safe? Or would that be a vinegar bath too?

LooseHip · 03/10/2009, 05:36 PM

I don't think you want to use petro jelly as I am not sure if it is reef safe.... When you pulled the impellar out did there appear to be build up of anykind on the magnet or in the area where the magnet sits? If it were me being that it is used, I would pull apart the pump and leave it sit in vinager over night...

asmujica · 03/10/2009, 06:54 PM

Well, you are doing a test run with RO water, you should see more bubbles with saltwater. But, the amount you are getting is nowhere near it needs to be. Try running the skimmer in a 50/50 vinegar/Water solution for a day to help eliminate any calcium deposits that might have acumulated over time.

Also, is that rust?

crab0000 · 03/10/2009, 06:55 PM

I would do the vinegar bath as well as finding a small drill bit to run through both those holes to make sure salt deposits aren't blocking them. Also, you can completely do away with the elbow you glued and just run the line straight into the nipple. It increases performance ever so slightly. HTH

Korrine · 03/10/2009, 07:05 PM

We did end up takeing the elbow off. Uh, that might be rust...I take it that's bad? Can plastic really rust? That's plastic. I think it might just be dirty??

Korrine · 03/11/2009, 04:28 AM

anyone else have thoughts on it?

crab0000 · 03/11/2009, 07:11 AM

The magnet could have rusted. Did you take the pump apart? It may be better to get a new pump. Here's a new one for $23 http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...ry_Code=Bakpak

Korrine · 03/11/2009, 07:16 AM

My hubby took the pump apart and took the impeller out and things like that. I was kinda thinking we may get 2 new pumps. I have them sitting in my "cart" as we speak. $24.99 It's a new improved pump...I guess

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...5~isKit~0.html

What's this I've read that if the pump is down too far or too high in the water it can mess w/the bubbles? Anyone have a good link w/videos or instructions of a skimmer working correctly.

crab0000 · 03/11/2009, 09:20 AM

It would change the head pressure on the pump therefore affecting the amount of air it takes in. I think as long as you mount it on the stock intake pipe you'll be fine.

Korrine · 03/11/2009, 09:22 AM

Since the skimmer won't run in freshwater anyway, I've started mixing Reef Crystals in it. 8 cups in 29gal so far. At sg 1.015. Going to add a bit more.

Korrine · 03/12/2009, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Also, is that rust? [/B]

That really is rust. I soaked them in vinegar water and tried to scrub the rusty stuff off and it doesn't really come off either. I didn't try to hard and was just using a toothbrush though.

I take it that I can't use it.

Oh and one's a Rio 800 and the other is a Rio 600 so they were different pumps also.

asmujica · 03/12/2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Korrine
That really is rust. I soaked them in vinegar water and tried to scrub the rusty stuff off and it doesn't really come off either. I didn't try to hard and was just using a toothbrush though.

I take it that I can't use it.

Oh and one's a Rio 800 and the other is a Rio 600 so they were different pumps also.

I wouldn't advise using the pumps if they are already rusted. Let me let someone else chime in as what replacement pumps would be good.

The aquac webpage shows these as a replacement pumps though

http://www.cpraquatic.com/products/bakpaks.html

Korrine · 03/12/2009, 06:34 PM

I've been eyeing this just in case. It appears that it's only the 1 pump. The other looks fine.

CPR Accela BakPak Replacement Pump
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...1~isKit~0.html

I'm just wondering how the plastic can rust? It doesn't look like the impeller rusted...could've rusted and ran out...but the impeller's fine?

asmujica · 03/12/2009, 06:42 PM

Its a Rio, never underestimate what they are capable of doing

The pump looks good. I would keep an eye on the other rio though.

Do you have a GFCI installed in the outlets near your tank?

03/06/2009, 08:36 PM	#1
Korrine You could get a ticket!! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Upper midwest Posts: 4,288 Blog Entries: 1	Help with CPR Dual BakPak skimmer, please :) I'm totally new to the skimmer....ok new to everything saltwater Was debating on posting this in New to the Hobby, but it's an equipment question. I bought this second hand CPR Dual BakPak 2 Skimmer and I'm having issues understanding it Like this : http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...09&pcatid=4409 Now am I right to think that water goes up the pumps that hang into the tank or does it get sucked in by that big tube in the middle? I'm assuming the airline tubing goes up the top to suck in the air for the air injection...right? I have the tubing for the second one, however the plastic piece that attaches to the pump is slightly cracked. Will I be able to silicone that and have it hold ok? It doesn't look to be a real bad crack. Any help so sooooo appreciated. Please don't make fun of ignorance to bad __________________ Try to keep in mind that we are all human...mistakes do happen! Be kinder than necessary because every one you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Current Tank Info: 40 breeder - started 9/2011 - platinum perc and sanjay's black photon clownfishes; sps and lps, and soft corals; 250w MH, 20 long sump w Bubble Magus Nac 3.5 skimmer 12g nano cube -serpent star, mini carpet anemones, w 6 sexy shrimp, 150w MH, maxi je

03/06/2009, 08:46 PM	#3
Korrine You could get a ticket!! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Upper midwest Posts: 4,288 Blog Entries: 1	What about putting something over the return to slow the bubbles or trap them that would still let the water flow through...and won't back up the skimmer? __________________ Try to keep in mind that we are all human...mistakes do happen! Be kinder than necessary because every one you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Current Tank Info: 40 breeder - started 9/2011 - platinum perc and sanjay's black photon clownfishes; sps and lps, and soft corals; 250w MH, 20 long sump w Bubble Magus Nac 3.5 skimmer 12g nano cube -serpent star, mini carpet anemones, w 6 sexy shrimp, 150w MH, maxi je

03/07/2009, 04:44 AM	#4
Korrine You could get a ticket!! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Upper midwest Posts: 4,288 Blog Entries: 1	Does anyone that uses this skimmer have good luck with it? __________________ Try to keep in mind that we are all human...mistakes do happen! Be kinder than necessary because every one you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Current Tank Info: 40 breeder - started 9/2011 - platinum perc and sanjay's black photon clownfishes; sps and lps, and soft corals; 250w MH, 20 long sump w Bubble Magus Nac 3.5 skimmer 12g nano cube -serpent star, mini carpet anemones, w 6 sexy shrimp, 150w MH, maxi je

03/07/2009, 08:15 AM	#6
Korrine You could get a ticket!! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Upper midwest Posts: 4,288 Blog Entries: 1	I don't think I can use super glue b/c that part is in the water. Won't it leach bad things? I was thinking aquarium silicone would be safe? Or is there a cheaper alternative? I only paid $85 for the $230 skimmer so I feel that as long as I can get it working, I've received a good deal. __________________ Try to keep in mind that we are all human...mistakes do happen! Be kinder than necessary because every one you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Current Tank Info: 40 breeder - started 9/2011 - platinum perc and sanjay's black photon clownfishes; sps and lps, and soft corals; 250w MH, 20 long sump w Bubble Magus Nac 3.5 skimmer 12g nano cube -serpent star, mini carpet anemones, w 6 sexy shrimp, 150w MH, maxi je

03/07/2009, 09:06 AM	#7
redfishsc Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Wake Forest, NC Posts: 3,696	No, superglue is perfectly reef safe, even when uncured unless you dump a pint of it over in your tank. Will work fine. You can get superglue at the Dollar store for, well, a dollar, hard to be cheaper than that. You can use any viscosity, it will seal it up. The thicker the better but it really doesn't matter for this. __________________ "The measure of a life is not its duration but its donation." Corrie Ten Boom “The tyrant dies and his rule is over, the martyr dies and his rule begins” -- Søren Kierkegaard Current Tank Info: ghetto grad school reef.....11g rimless tank, 36X9X9, lit by Cree and Rebels scobbled together. Stocked mostly with free stuff I got from panhandling my fellow reefers.

03/06/2009, 08:45 PM	#2
poolkeeper1 Moved On Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Spring Hill, TN Posts: 4,674	The large pipe in the middle is the return, and you are correct the air line stays above the water level to introduce air into the pumps which fill the chambers with the air/water mixture, the cups can be adjusted up and down to get the proper foam in the neck of the unit which removes the bad stuff!! The only problem I seen with this model is air bubbles going back into the tank and being hard to stop them. Not the best or the worse skimmer out there, Good Luck!

03/07/2009, 06:09 AM	#5
crab0000 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Jasper,GA Posts: 2,801	I had one and it was decent for the price. I would just try to use some super glue to fix the crack in the air intake.

03/07/2009, 04:11 PM	#8
Korrine You could get a ticket!! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Upper midwest Posts: 4,288 Blog Entries: 1	Wow that interesting. I guess I thought it was bad. My tanks only 29g. Thanks __________________ Try to keep in mind that we are all human...mistakes do happen! Be kinder than necessary because every one you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Current Tank Info: 40 breeder - started 9/2011 - platinum perc and sanjay's black photon clownfishes; sps and lps, and soft corals; 250w MH, 20 long sump w Bubble Magus Nac 3.5 skimmer 12g nano cube -serpent star, mini carpet anemones, w 6 sexy shrimp, 150w MH, maxi je

03/07/2009, 04:44 PM	#9
shleprock30 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 177	Wait until you super glue or epoxy a coral frag down.. This is pretty interesting reading:... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyanoacrylate __________________ Rick Current Tank Info: Oceanic 37 gal reef. CPR MRT 13 gal. ETSS Sump buddy 40, 175watt MH 14K

03/10/2009, 04:45 PM	#10
Korrine You could get a ticket!! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Upper midwest Posts: 4,288 Blog Entries: 1	Loud skimmer issues Ok, I've glued it and have it set up and running in the tank. Just filled the tank w/RO water and doing a "test run" w/my eqipment before I go all out. What I used to glue it This is what I glued. The little piece goes on the knob to the left of the air tube. http://s248.photobucket.com/albums/g...t=100_4907.flv Here's a video of the skimmer. It is noisy and sounds like it's not working right. I don't think the bubbles are forming adequately. Help!!! __________________ Try to keep in mind that we are all human...mistakes do happen! Be kinder than necessary because every one you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Current Tank Info: 40 breeder - started 9/2011 - platinum perc and sanjay's black photon clownfishes; sps and lps, and soft corals; 250w MH, 20 long sump w Bubble Magus Nac 3.5 skimmer 12g nano cube -serpent star, mini carpet anemones, w 6 sexy shrimp, 150w MH, maxi je

03/10/2009, 05:28 PM	#11
LooseHip Foaming Conehead Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: CO Posts: 1,002	its possible that the "nipples" on the pump where the airline connect to are clogged. I would give both the pumps a vinager bath to dissolve the deposits that may be clogging it. I had a cpr backpak skimmer a while ago, and would have to clean out the connectors every now and then...

03/10/2009, 05:33 PM	#12
Korrine You could get a ticket!! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Upper midwest Posts: 4,288 Blog Entries: 1	We've pulled it apart and looked and the nipples are fine. It's only that one pump that I had to glue. We're looking at the impeller currently. Would putting some petrol jelly on it help it spin? My hubby thinks it might stick a tid bit. 100% petrol jelly reef safe? Or would that be a vinegar bath too? __________________ Try to keep in mind that we are all human...mistakes do happen! Be kinder than necessary because every one you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Current Tank Info: 40 breeder - started 9/2011 - platinum perc and sanjay's black photon clownfishes; sps and lps, and soft corals; 250w MH, 20 long sump w Bubble Magus Nac 3.5 skimmer 12g nano cube -serpent star, mini carpet anemones, w 6 sexy shrimp, 150w MH, maxi je

03/10/2009, 05:36 PM	#13
LooseHip Foaming Conehead Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: CO Posts: 1,002	I don't think you want to use petro jelly as I am not sure if it is reef safe.... When you pulled the impellar out did there appear to be build up of anykind on the magnet or in the area where the magnet sits? If it were me being that it is used, I would pull apart the pump and leave it sit in vinager over night...

03/10/2009, 06:54 PM	#14
asmujica Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Monterrey, México Posts: 5,580	Well, you are doing a test run with RO water, you should see more bubbles with saltwater. But, the amount you are getting is nowhere near it needs to be. Try running the skimmer in a 50/50 vinegar/Water solution for a day to help eliminate any calcium deposits that might have acumulated over time. Also, is that rust? __________________ Where has the tank gone?

03/10/2009, 06:55 PM	#15
crab0000 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Jasper,GA Posts: 2,801	I would do the vinegar bath as well as finding a small drill bit to run through both those holes to make sure salt deposits aren't blocking them. Also, you can completely do away with the elbow you glued and just run the line straight into the nipple. It increases performance ever so slightly. HTH

03/10/2009, 07:05 PM	#16
Korrine You could get a ticket!! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Upper midwest Posts: 4,288 Blog Entries: 1	We did end up takeing the elbow off. Uh, that might be rust...I take it that's bad? Can plastic really rust? That's plastic. I think it might just be dirty?? __________________ Try to keep in mind that we are all human...mistakes do happen! Be kinder than necessary because every one you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Current Tank Info: 40 breeder - started 9/2011 - platinum perc and sanjay's black photon clownfishes; sps and lps, and soft corals; 250w MH, 20 long sump w Bubble Magus Nac 3.5 skimmer 12g nano cube -serpent star, mini carpet anemones, w 6 sexy shrimp, 150w MH, maxi je

03/11/2009, 04:28 AM	#17
Korrine You could get a ticket!! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Upper midwest Posts: 4,288 Blog Entries: 1	anyone else have thoughts on it? __________________ Try to keep in mind that we are all human...mistakes do happen! Be kinder than necessary because every one you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Current Tank Info: 40 breeder - started 9/2011 - platinum perc and sanjay's black photon clownfishes; sps and lps, and soft corals; 250w MH, 20 long sump w Bubble Magus Nac 3.5 skimmer 12g nano cube -serpent star, mini carpet anemones, w 6 sexy shrimp, 150w MH, maxi je

03/11/2009, 07:11 AM	#18
crab0000 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Jasper,GA Posts: 2,801	The magnet could have rusted. Did you take the pump apart? It may be better to get a new pump. Here's a new one for $23 http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...ry_Code=Bakpak

03/11/2009, 07:16 AM	#19
Korrine You could get a ticket!! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Upper midwest Posts: 4,288 Blog Entries: 1	My hubby took the pump apart and took the impeller out and things like that. I was kinda thinking we may get 2 new pumps. I have them sitting in my "cart" as we speak. $24.99 It's a new improved pump...I guess http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...5~isKit~0.html What's this I've read that if the pump is down too far or too high in the water it can mess w/the bubbles? Anyone have a good link w/videos or instructions of a skimmer working correctly. __________________ Try to keep in mind that we are all human...mistakes do happen! Be kinder than necessary because every one you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Current Tank Info: 40 breeder - started 9/2011 - platinum perc and sanjay's black photon clownfishes; sps and lps, and soft corals; 250w MH, 20 long sump w Bubble Magus Nac 3.5 skimmer 12g nano cube -serpent star, mini carpet anemones, w 6 sexy shrimp, 150w MH, maxi je

03/11/2009, 09:20 AM	#20
crab0000 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Jasper,GA Posts: 2,801	It would change the head pressure on the pump therefore affecting the amount of air it takes in. I think as long as you mount it on the stock intake pipe you'll be fine.

03/11/2009, 09:22 AM	#21
Korrine You could get a ticket!! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Upper midwest Posts: 4,288 Blog Entries: 1	Since the skimmer won't run in freshwater anyway, I've started mixing Reef Crystals in it. 8 cups in 29gal so far. At sg 1.015. Going to add a bit more. __________________ Try to keep in mind that we are all human...mistakes do happen! Be kinder than necessary because every one you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Current Tank Info: 40 breeder - started 9/2011 - platinum perc and sanjay's black photon clownfishes; sps and lps, and soft corals; 250w MH, 20 long sump w Bubble Magus Nac 3.5 skimmer 12g nano cube -serpent star, mini carpet anemones, w 6 sexy shrimp, 150w MH, maxi je

03/12/2009, 06:34 PM	#24
Korrine You could get a ticket!! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Upper midwest Posts: 4,288 Blog Entries: 1	I've been eyeing this just in case. It appears that it's only the 1 pump. The other looks fine. CPR Accela BakPak Replacement Pump http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...1~isKit~0.html I'm just wondering how the plastic can rust? It doesn't look like the impeller rusted...could've rusted and ran out...but the impeller's fine? __________________ Try to keep in mind that we are all human...mistakes do happen! Be kinder than necessary because every one you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Current Tank Info: 40 breeder - started 9/2011 - platinum perc and sanjay's black photon clownfishes; sps and lps, and soft corals; 250w MH, 20 long sump w Bubble Magus Nac 3.5 skimmer 12g nano cube -serpent star, mini carpet anemones, w 6 sexy shrimp, 150w MH, maxi je

03/12/2009, 06:42 PM	#25
asmujica Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Monterrey, México Posts: 5,580	Its a Rio, never underestimate what they are capable of doing The pump looks good. I would keep an eye on the other rio though. Do you have a GFCI installed in the outlets near your tank? __________________ Where has the tank gone?