Help with skimmer!

[rsinanan415]

Hello, I have a eshopps skimmer that I bought from another user on here (who shall not be named) bought together with tank as package and turns out the pump is leaking. Didn't notice at first but the housing is cracked where it attaches to the skimmer. Anyone Know how to fix? Or have a new pump that will work on skimmer? I've since had to buy a bio cube skimmer to help out and that skimmer isn't working too well.
Thanks in advance
Rudy
914-309-3257

Btw eshopps said they cannot help me. Because I do not have receipt and skimmer is older model.

 

[Pseudo]

Post a picture of the damage. You will get more help that way. Probably the best way to fix it is weld-on.

 

[hclaveria]

How is the leak is affecting performance? Can you post a picture?

 

[rsinanan415]

pics

 

[rsinanan415]

sorry for the late addition of pics i couldnt do them at work. but those white lines are where its leaking from. its sucking air and not water because its a HOB skimmer and the pump goes on the outside of the tank (i know you know that lol). the leaking is approx 1 drip every 2 seconds which is alot

 

[rsinanan415]

i was thinking of sealing it but then i will have to re seal every time i need to clean pump which is no fun lol. and another skimmer is out of the option for me right now.

 

[hclaveria]

So that attached to the proteins skimmer? Is that the Venturi needle? That looks like the intake, are you sure that goes into the skimmer?

I don't clean the needle that often, usually just the collection cup on my skimmer. I would seal it with silicone since you shouldn't be having to take it apart that often.

 

[rsinanan415]

you're right

that piece attaches to another piece that attaches to the skimmer. you think just sealing with silicone will help?
ive been looking it up trying to figure out which skimmer it is i believe its the eshopps hob 75 (that what they call it now) but those parts wont work on my skimmer

 

[hclaveria]

yeah, sealing it with silicone I will fix it. Use Silicone I as it is aquarium safe. Let it set for 24 hours, at least. I would put a second application on top of it after it sets the first time and let it set again.

I have an old pump (about 1200 gph) that the gasket fell apart and it would leak very badly. They no longer made the gasket so I used Silicone to seal the pump and it works perfectly. Luckily I have never had to reopen the pump but if I did, I can just reseal it. I am sure that the water pressure on the pump is at least or more than your skimmer.

Good luck.

 

[Awibrandy]

If you need a second opinion: Do what hclaveria said! Simple solution until you can get a new skimmer.
BTW I also have an eshopps skimmer, and I'm loving it.

 

[rsinanan415]

I went on my lunch break to the pets warehouse in carle place and bought some aquarium safe silicone they had in a 3oz tube. Good or no?

 

[rsinanan415]

On the packaging it says it's what aqueon uses to seal their tanks.. I mean for 6 bucks will it do the job?

 

[hclaveria]

Yes, it will work. I am not sure if its any better than what is sold at Home Depot or Lowes but it will do the job.

Just apply it generously, spread it and let it set before using.

 

[rsinanan415]

Ok will do. I'm going to to it around 7 tonight and let it set till tomorrow around the same time and try it out and see if it works thanks for all the help guys !!

 

[rsinanan415]

Will update tomorrow after I try skimmer. Do you think it's a good idea to put a heater on and leave the part in front of the heater overnight? Will that help or should I let it dry naturally?

 

[KathyC]

Only use one layer of the silicone as silicone won't stick to itself once it is set.
It will be set when you can no longer smell the vinegar-ish odor - wait until then to use it.

 

[nanoreefer22]

Let it dry naturally.

 

[rsinanan415]

Ok cool. Thanks guys

 

[rsinanan415]

And girls

 

[rsinanan415]

Silicone applied!