Advice on existing set up please...

[Bectan01]

Ok salt folks, I have a 55g reef that has been running smoothly for 2 years now using the Berlin method - two powerheads at either end and a tunze skimmer (rated for 150g) I have been on holidays for a month and have had my lovely sister doing my weekly water changes and maintenance for me and everything looks the same as I left it - only my skimmer isn't working anymore. She doesn't remember when it stopped, I only have instructions to empty the cup which she didn't need to do because there was nothing in it! I have had this happen before so I thinks it's caput and sadly out of warranty. I have been thinking of running a sump but my dilemma is I can't afford to do this right away, having just got back from holiday with no cash. Advice on what to do from here? It would be at least 3 weeks before I could either get the skimmer fixed/replace it which I would need to do anyway or buy the necessary gear for the sump - I already have a 2ft long tank that fits under the stand so would just need plumbing, overflow and pumps. If I kept on top of water changes and testing in the meantime would the tank hold steady? Current livestock is a bennet's puffer, pair o clowns, a firefish, a gold stripe cardinal and a rainsfords goby. Surprisingly all my tests come back ok - my usual .5ppm nitrate was a little high (10ppm) but i expected that as i used an auto feeder with flake foods while i was away. Appreciate any input on where to go from here...

 

[mr_X]

Yes, the tank will be fine with regular water changes. I would wait until you can get a replacement skimmer or new pump for that one and leave the "smooth running" tank just as it is.

 

[Bectan01]

Thank you Mr X for your advice. By smoothly running I mean its stable - these inhabitants have been with me since day one so I just needed a little assurance that they would be ok. I will continue to test regularly and keep you posted

 

[Bectan01]

Are you familiar with the tunze? I have the 9006 model and until now have been really happy with it. I bought it new 2 years ago - you would think it has a bit more life in it?

 

[mr_X]

If it's not working, it's the pump. It's the only moving part, correct? No, I'm not familiar with them but I am familiar with some of their other products and they seem to be made very well, but a bit expensive.
Have you taken the pump apart and inspected it?

 

[Bectan01]

Yes I have, last time this happened I let it soak over night and it came good that was about a month before I left. It was really dirty last time but no so much this time. I may investigate its repair before I purchase another - and yes, it was expensive!

 

[mr_X]

If all else fails, hit it(the pump) with a hammer. I have freed up some seized up mag drives whacking them with a hammer or similar. The pump on my octopus skimmer some times doesn't restart unless a tap on it a few times with something.