Return pump siezed up. I hope it is just dirty.

[Rockstacker]

This is what greeted me at breakfast time...

It took me a few seconds to notice that the water level was too low.

So I checked the sump and the return pump was quiet... too quiet.

So I disconnected the return pump and took it out to inspect.
Here's the sump - minus the return pump and other stuff moved out of the way. The black electrical tape on top is supposed to be the maximum overflow level when the return pump is off - I guess I need to move that up by half an inch

I took the return pump apart and could not manually turn the impeller. uh oh!
After a few drops of vinegar into the impeller shaft while gently turning, I got it out.

Not pretty, but I hope there was no permanent damage to the shaft and housing yet.

So all the parts are now sitting in a vinegar bath with another powerhead until all the calcium/carbonate deposits are gone.

The funny thing is, I already had it on my schedule to do a vinegar bath on the return and reactor pumps... in three weeks!
I guess I need to give them a bath more often.

I just hope I do not end up losing a Magdrive pump.

 

[SchnitzelReef]

This is what greeted me at breakfast time...

It took me a few seconds to notice that the water level was too low.

So I checked the sump and the return pump was quiet... too quiet.

So I disconnected the return pump and took it out to inspect.
Here's the sump - minus the return pump and other stuff moved out of the way. The black electrical tape on top is supposed to be the maximum overflow level when the return pump is off - I guess I need to move that up by half an inch

I took the return pump apart and could not manually turn the impeller. uh oh!
After a few drops of vinegar into the impeller shaft while gently turning, I got it out.

Not pretty, but I hope there was no permanent damage to the shaft and housing yet.

So all the parts are now sitting in a vinegar bath with another powerhead until all the calcium/carbonate deposits are gone.

The funny thing is, I already had it on my schedule to do a vinegar bath on the return and reactor pumps... in three weeks!
I guess I need to give them a bath more often.

I just hope I do not end up losing a Magdrive pump.

If the pump stopped, ur too late. 99% chance the magnet is swollen. Order a new impeller. Depending on ur pump, they're usually pretty cheap. I wouldn't try to run it anymore, or u can ruin the motor block

 

[Rockstacker]

Crap! I was afraid of that.
Do you mean the magnet cylinder could be swollen? or the magnet that is inside the motor block?

 

[Turbobnl]

if that's a danner pump try looking into their warranty
http://info.dannermfg.com/dw1/warranty/