aquamedic sp3000 troubles

[loos15]

Hello everyone, I'm having a bit of a problem with my pump. I have it turned on continiously and it would stop every 20 seconds after it comes on... when it starts up it would make a loud click. I believe its a motor problem...
anyone know how to fix it besides replacing the unit? anyone know where to get a replacment motor?

thanks!

[DwightKeenan]

I have two of these and they both make the loud click when they start up.

[loos15]

hmmm mine still wont run continusily :( and back siphon is horrible

[sea monkey]

anyone else have any experience with these ?

[David Grigor]

I know for sure Max and Fritz have also tried them locally. Have yet to hear any real positive feedback and you hear nothing but trouble from people on RC.

[sea monkey]

I know for sure Max and Fritz have also tried them locally. Have yet to hear any real positive feedback and you hear nothing but trouble from people on RC.

The reason i ask is because we are considering stocking these.

I know the people on RC don't seem to like them but as with everything , it's mostly the unhappy people that speak up . they may have 98% satisfied customers. Looking for some first hand experience here in the club.

I guess more to the point would you deal with its issues before you would spend 500-600 on a liter meter ?

[David Grigor]

Possible back siphon is the main issue is why I'd never consider even if my only option was a much more expensive pump.

[maxseeley]

I bought one - both tubes back siphoned and I ended up selling in for 1/2 of what I paid for it wholesale.

My favorite dosing pump is the Vario LP180

I also use the Litermeter - but they are more prone to problems then the Vario. i.e. if you don't stay on top of cleaning the rollers the metal pin can stop turning the rollers. Plus, I have found that the tube doesn't last as long as the one on the vario and is harder to replace. The vario only has a screw that you adjust dosing rate (I personally like this simplicity). If you are looking for more features and the ability to control slave pumps, then the litermeter is the best choice.

I know that you know all of this - but letting other people know.

[David Grigor]

So I take it that Vario should last a long time. Are they variable or fixed ?

[sea monkey]

I bought one - both tubes back siphoned and I ended up selling in for 1/2 of what I paid for it wholesale.

My favorite dosing pump is the Vario LP180



ya i figured . it has been a nightmare finding a quality solution that isn't super expensive. I am unfamiliar with the vario and don't see any pricing or vendors on the site . http://www.iks-aqua.com/html/engl/dosiertechnik_4pro.php

[sea monkey]

Possible back siphon is the main issue is why I'd never consider even if my only option was a much more expensive pump.

I think they are shipped with a check valve now and as long as you don't set your reservoir above the tank there shouldn't be a threat of anything real traumatic happening if the check valve fails. This is only related to dosing two part. I guess you get what you pay for so your expectations should be low for this product.

For me personally, dosing two part by hand is a royal pain in the butt and i would never keep up with it. once automated with a dosing pump it is fantastic and the results are undeniable. I id really like to find a quality option for dosing both parts under $200. The $500 LM3 is just out of most peoples price range. For the consumer who doesn't mind waiting, the APT pumps are ok but from a standpoint of trying to get them in stock it just doesn't seem like it is going to work out.

maybe the DC pump i got yesterday will work out : )

[David Grigor]

sounds like to me a check valve is one more thing to clog with 2 part.

[morty]

hmmm mine still wont run continusily :( and back siphon is horrible

I had the same problem with mine. It isn't installed yet (I ordered a different one from APT instead), but I put the tube in it and plugged it in to test it. Every few seconds it would stop turning and chatter briefly, then turn smoothly for a few seconds, then stop/chatter, etc. I sent it to Aqua Medic and they told me that the tube needs to be softened in hot water first. They said they did this and ran it overnight with no issues.

But I was unhappy when they also told me that it cannot handle back pressure, i.e. the source of liquid going thru the unit has to be lower than the pump. So you have to use check valves with the unit to prevent backsiphon. I agree with David this could lead to issues with 2-part or Kalk. It may work perfect for some people but I think I will be selling the one I have.

[loos15]

Thanks everyone for your input :) the check valves that came with it sux...no longer works after 2 months lol

anyways i'll try the soaking hot water thing :) thanks!

[sea monkey]

ok im glad i didnt order these ...

[loos15]

ok im glad i didnt order these ...


glad i helped you out :wink: eheh jk