Octo. Skimmer pump not starting...

[justinzimm]

... Has anyone else using an octopus 150 (2000 pump) recirc. skimmer had problems with their pumps not turning over when pugged in. I just got one a month ago and it hasn't once started on it's own without me bumping or blowing air through the venturi to start it. When it's doesn't start it just vibrates and makes a humming sound.

Has anyone delt with octopus and their return policy?

Thanks,

Justin

[dzeadow]

First, make sure it's got water in it when you start it, otherwise it'll make a knocking sound. I had an issue with my pump and it started then stopped and didn't want to work again, so I took it apart, pulled out the impeller, found nothing, and then put it all back together. Started right up and haven't had a problem since. As for the return policy, depends on where you got it. If you got it from a CoralVue dealer (custom aquatics, etc) then they're pretty good about getting you a new pump.

[DarG]

This is a common happening with the Octo 2000 pumps. I had a dual pump SWC (Octopus) and neither 2000 would start drawing air on it's own at start-up except for once in while.

They should run when you plug them in but they usually wont draw air on their own. It happens with them more than it doesnt and it is not a defect, just a crappy design. If it doesnt start at all, then you have a problem. Some of the pump mods will make the pump draw air on it's own when it starts up. If you decide not to mod it, you will need to get the air started manually when the power goes out or you shut it off for cleaning. It's just the way that most of them are.

If you got it from Marine Solutions, good luck. They just took some lumps on the forum not too long ago so they may be inclined to help you without a problem. Again, only if the pump doesnt start at all, not if it just wont draw air on its own. If they wont help with a legitimate problem, post your issue with them on the forum. If you got it from an authorized Coralvue dealer, they should take care of you without hassle. If they dont, contact Coralvue directly, they will email you back quickly and have it taken care of.

Good luck

[Ehaze]

My pump went out about 2 months after i bought it (same pump as yours), i emailed, they told me to send them my pump, now today i will finaly get my skimmer running again. (after 4 weeks)

[salth2owannabe]

Mine never starts on it's own either. I've just resorted to blowing into it every time the power blinks. Other then that the skimmer works fine.

[justinzimm]

Thanks for all the replys...

This pump will not run, let alone suck in air. Even if the pump is removed from the skimmer, flooded with water and plugged in it still won't run. It just vibrates and hums until I either jar it or blow air into the venturi. I didn't mind having to start it but it has been running twice now and shut down for unknown reasons. I don't think the power flickered because none of our clocks were flashing.

I'm going to take it appart one more time and try not running it off a powerstrip but rather strait to a wall outlet. After that I'm thinking about sending out an e-mail.

Oh, by the way my skimmer was bought through Marine Solutions.

Justin

[justinzimm]

FYI,

I contacted Marine Solutions over e-mail and they quickly offered me an appology and new pump. If they had any problems in the past with refunds it looks like it has been resolved!!!

Great Service IMO.

Justin

[luke33]

Only a few had probs with them not responding quick enough. Most were satisfied.

[walmart]

only problem with customer service is you only hear about the bad stories for the most part and 98% of companies are legit and are willing to work with you.