It's already been thru maybe 12-15 on off cycles and it starts right back up ?
I haven't looked closely at the pump but I don't think it's going to be an issue much.
This thing was churning out low tide in the collection cup after 12 hours.
I am skimming wet, and I already dumped about a quart of lipton down the drain.
So, I'm not sure I get the whole "return it, save your $$$' comments, but this thing is a true skimming beast. Not only that, but it is a high quality piece of equipment, with mostly hand-made details.
For instance...
The edges of the Acrylic are thick, at least 1/8 or more, possibly 1/4 on the connecting pieces, and lid. Plus, they look like they're either die-cut with a router bit, or maybe even CNC'd.
Also, the exit pipes and unions are Sch-40 Grey pvc, but they're also extruded and laser-cut for gaskets, and the riser. Meaning it's not just a plain jane PVC to Elbow. Imagine trying to adjust your water level with a plain PVC union, bent over a sump, under a stand. It's a nice custom little detail that makes live with this thing easier.
The air silencer, is another piece that a nice touch. It's obvious that something this small can't be automated, so in most cases, they are hand finished one by one, and assembled. It's made out of the same high quality Acrylic that the rest of the skimmer is.
As for the pump, I am no expert on flow rates, L/hr of air flow, or even current draw. I do understand the fundamentals of quality and physics, and this pump does the job nicely. It moves water, sucks air, makes a ton of bubbles, and has a warranty. For those with issues with pumps, unless it's a defect in workmanship, I look at it like this, just like any high performance vehicle or tool, you have maintenance associated with it. If once a year or so, I have to tune up, replace an impeller, or even a pump or volute, I am not complaining that my $500 skimmer didn't last forever. Now, if there is truly a design issue that's creating an issue, I'll either work around it as reasonable, or ask the manuf. to replace it.
One of the neat things is it's clear. Thus, you can see the stream of marshmallow foam leaving the impeller and headed into the skimmer body
All in all it looks like a good buy. I got it for much less than retail, the seller is actually on this board. And..it's going to greatly impact the health of my tank, and the appearance.
