[Ted01]

Hi
I got a used berlin turbo hang on skimmer and need some help. It was not running for a long time like months (I think). When I am running it, the pump that come with it seems running very slow. Is it a fact? Water returning back to tank seems very slow. I tried to adjust it and it seems not working. I am interested in replacing the pump, anyone know where I can get one around here and how much? Or is it the pump's issue or something else. Also, how to cleanup the dirt (mainly white calcium deposit) that stick inside the chamber? Tried soaking it in warm water and don't work...

Also, can it be change to a in-sump skimmer?

Need ideas quick, thanks.

Ted.

 

[waynesreef]

Use vinegar to clean calcium off the pump and rinse it thoroughly afterwards. It is by design to run the pump slow so the bubble has more time to contact with water and carry non-dissolved organics to surface. That makes the skimmer running more efficient. That is just my 2c.

 

[tikki50]

Yes is can be an in-sump skimmer just set it in the sump if it will fit. With regards to the pump. I know some people use a rio 2500 to drive it does your pump have the air intake on it or does the skimmer pull air from the base of the unit? Mine pulled from the pump itself and there was a dial to adjust the air intake, which I just left all the way open all the time. I had some minor problems with my when it was "restarted" I had to plug it in and unplug it a few times to get it up to full power, very strange but it worked. Yes there was water coming out slowly too. The two exhaust ports really only seem to run at about 25-30% capacity does that sound like yours?

Might try soaking it in vingar that might help un-clog the air intake. For maintenance I usually just blew through the hole every other day or so and then used my finger and plugged it up to purge the air intake. Seemed to work pretty good.

 

[Ted01]

Hi
Yes, the 2 return pipe look like it is returning water very very slowly. Also, the pump is the original berlin pump that have a air inlet come with it. I am going to give it a good soak. Any idea on how long can the pump and skimmer stay in the vineger solution?

Also, in case I need to change the pump, do I need to use the one come from berlin or switch it to a rio pump with venteri inlet?

thanks,

Ted.

 

[Newts]

Soaking it in vinegar won't hurt any of the parts, so you can soak them overnight and the stuff should wash right off when your done. Sorry I don't know anything about that skimmer.

 

[Ted01]

pump

Hi
Thanks for the reply. I still wondering if I can get a new pump for it. If so, can a rio 3100 have any venteri inlet? Any ideas?

thanks,
Ted.

 

[johnnypal]

I used to have a classic turbo skimmer and changed the pump to a Rio 2500. I called up Red Sea to get the pieces to change it from a turbo to a venturi classic. You will need the venturi that screws into the input area along with the nipple for air mixture.

Just try and give them a call and tell them you want to convert your turbo to a classic and they will send the parts right out and you should get them in 2 days, no charge.

I would look at getting something better tho. When I did switch it over, it did not work as well. It was very hard to tune in.