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Unread 11/25/2018, 12:50 PM   #1
rite_eh
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BK Mini 200 - Very loud

Hello,

I was wondering if you could assist me in troubleshooting my BK 200 mini skimmer. I just cleaned it this weekend. It was loud prior, but now that everything is clean it is more noisy than before. I don't think this is normal and would like to get it resolved. It is the loudest piece of equipment on my 180G by far.

The pump motor block has the anti lime bypass and it says Red Dragon 1500 on it. I disassembled and cleaned everything. The impeller doesn't have any obvious signs of wear. I soaked the motor block inside, bearing and impeller in pure white vinegar for about 15 minutes.

I placed an order for a new carbon bearing and a resonator foam piece. I am wondering if I also need a new impeller. If so, is it worth replacing the impeller or going a different route, such as a DC pump? I see they are quite pricey.

I've uploaded a video here: https://youtu.be/evbYFsOhZYo

Thank you for any assistance you can offer.


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Unread 11/25/2018, 02:28 PM   #2
ReefClownMIA
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Something certainly isn't right. I'd start with disassembling the unit again, and check for all parts and fitment.


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Unread 11/25/2018, 03:25 PM   #3
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My guess is that the noise may be coming from the bearing not being installed properly. That or you have the screws that hold the base into the skimmer too tight and it’s creating resonance between the pump and the nozzle where it goes through the body.

Post 2 in this thread shows how to properly install the bearing into the motorblock of the Red Dragon 1 pump. The bearing must be properly installed before you put the impeller back in.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2573406

The only other thing that would cause any kind of noise would be the bearing in the plate that sits between the magnet and the needle wheel. It’s pretty much the same bearing that goes into the base of the magnet cavity but it’s pressed into the plate between the magnet and the needlewheel. You cant really see it but it’s there. Make sure that plate spins freely on the shaft. Sometimes calcium will buildup inbetween that bearing in the plate and the shaft. The vinegar soak coupled with gently sliding the plate up and down and rotating it will usually eliminate any buildup in that area. Also, make sure the magnet isn’t spinning at all on the impeller shaft. It should be firmly adhered to the shaft.


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Unread 11/25/2018, 05:41 PM   #4
rite_eh
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Thank you for the suggestions. I'll take it apart again and give it another look. The screws are all basically snug but I didn't torque them down. I did remove the bearing and inspect it so I'll check that area more carefully.

The impeller did spin on the front bearing / the plate with no resistance before and after my cleaning. If I remove the front air intake piece and look at the skimmer while operating now, I can see that it looks like there is a bit of slop in the impeller. The magnet and needle wheel move as one so they haven't separated.

I'll let you know once I've re-examined the parts you've mentioned. I'll grab some photos of the parts as well.

Thank you.


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Unread 11/25/2018, 07:14 PM   #5
rite_eh
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Hello,

Okay, I disassembled the pump and reassembled. I've test run it in the sink after doing so and the noise remains. When I cut the air off to the skimmer in the video, if you turn it up you can hear the pump making the same noise it was prior as well. I've uploaded the photos and a couple videos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/xZdDGHLSm1aHDqyM9

I removed the bearing once again and lubricated the o-ring with silicone grease this time. I seated it using a piece of half inch pex pipe. I inspected the impeller and to me it looks good, but I'm no expert so hopefully the photos and videos are useful.

Looking forward to your evaluations. Thanks again.


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Unread 11/25/2018, 07:19 PM   #6
slief
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From the looks of your pictures, it looks like the bearing in the plate is pushed out a bit from the plate. See picture below. Push that plate up against the magnet until that bearing is pushed back into the plate so it’s almost flush with the underside of the plate. It shouldn’t take much effort to get it in a bit more but don’t force it.


Attached Images
File Type: jpg A5E19D60-F9B2-4EE1-8ED9-6DDA172F388A.jpg (31.0 KB, 21 views)
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Last edited by slief; 11/25/2018 at 07:27 PM.
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Unread 11/25/2018, 08:05 PM   #7
rite_eh
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Hi slief,

You are right, that bearing does look like it is pushed out. I applied quite a bit of force and it will not seat any further in. Do you think this impeller is toast?


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Unread 11/25/2018, 08:26 PM   #8
rite_eh
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Also when I was re-assembling just now I noticed that the AC wire insulating jacket on the motor block where the wire does a hard 90º out the bottom of the skimmer is nearly worn through to the internal jacketed wires. I can't see through the first layer of insulation, but it looks like it doesn't have long in this world either. I could cut and heatshrink it I suppose.

Maybe I'm better off replacing the pump and impeller, I'm not sure at this point. I am a big fan of this skimmer and I do need a compact and short unit in my heavily stocked 180g because of stand and sump limitations. Other skimmers this size seem to have much poorer stats. That being said a replacement is nearly $1000 CAD for me.

Thanks for your continued help.


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Unread 11/25/2018, 08:58 PM   #9
slief
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rite_eh View Post
Also when I was re-assembling just now I noticed that the AC wire insulating jacket on the motor block where the wire does a hard 90º out the bottom of the skimmer is nearly worn through to the internal jacketed wires. I can't see through the first layer of insulation, but it looks like it doesn't have long in this world either. I could cut and heatshrink it I suppose.

Maybe I'm better off replacing the pump and impeller, I'm not sure at this point. I am a big fan of this skimmer and I do need a compact and short unit in my heavily stocked 180g because of stand and sump limitations. Other skimmers this size seem to have much poorer stats. That being said a replacement is nearly $1000 CAD for me.

Thanks for your continued help.
Some liquid electrical tape should fix the issue with the power cord. And yes, I do think you will likely need a new rotor as that can be the only source of noise in this pump. If you wanted to order a complete pump, I think your best bet would be to order that directly from Germany I think the import duties to Canada on the pump may be less if you were ordering from Germany. The price in this link includes VAT which would be deducted from your order so the cost will be less and the shipping shouldn’t be terrible.
https://royalexclusiv.net/en/skimmer...1500-vs12.html

If you want to order the rotor, we should have those in the US.
https://royalexclusiv.com/Spare-Part...-1500::78.html


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For All Royal Exclusiv & Bubble King questions please refer to our Sponsor forum: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=745

Current Tank Info: 480G display mixed reef, 90G sump, 90G refugium, 60G display refugium. Check out my build thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1783476
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Unread 11/25/2018, 10:22 PM   #10
rite_eh
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I'll give that a go and will order a replacement rotor. If I don't need a new block now I'm happy to defer purchasing that. Hopefully this gets this pump operating at a more subtle volume. Thank you for your help.


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Unread 06/25/2019, 04:31 AM   #11
Chris k
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rite_eh View Post
I'll give that a go and will order a replacement rotor. If I don't need a new block now I'm happy to defer purchasing that. Hopefully this gets this pump operating at a more subtle volume. Thank you for your help.
Sorry for bringing this back up, but I was reading the post and just checking to see if the new rotor solved your problem


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Unread 06/25/2019, 12:09 PM   #12
rite_eh
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Hi Chris,

Yes, it did indeed quiet the pump down. It now runs at a volume I'd expect from a BK. I also ordered the O-ring and rear motor block bearing part and changed those at the same time for good measure. My O-ring was hard as a rock. I kept the spare rotor as it still works, it's just very loud.

Good luck


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