Bubble King 180 replacement pump. Bloody expensive.. Solutions?

One_Divided · #1 03-01-2013, 09:41 PM

So my motor block and impeller are toast. I have swapped components with a freinds' working pump and I can confirm that it is both parts.

The pricing I'm getting back on replacing the pump is atrocious. I may as well buy a brand new Vertex Omega for around the same price..

Has anyone found a cheaper solution for replacing this pump? Perhaps modified their skimmer to make it work.. I love my BK180! Would like to find a solution rather than turfing some perfectly good acrylic. Thx,

-Adam

Chin_Lee · #2 03-01-2013, 09:47 PM

Same thing happened to me and i've been running skimmerless for 8 months now..... well not anymore since i've sold my setup.
But yes it was $230 just to replace the motor block. My impeller was OK (i think) but I was just too lazy and cheap to pay that money knowing i was going to sell soon.
Good luck.

ultreef · #3 03-01-2013, 10:17 PM

The motor block was around $200. Or maybe even a little less. Not sure how much the impeller was. Maybe $100?

But for $300, you aren't going to get a better skimmer so I would replace those parts. Then you are good for many years.

FYI, motor block are warranty for 3 years if I remember correctly. Not 1 year like I've been told.

Chin_Lee · #4 03-01-2013, 10:22 PM

where were you getting the motor block for $200? I can buy a new motor block and sell the skimmer for $400 at this rate.

ultreef · #5 03-01-2013, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chin_Lee

where were you getting the motor block for $200? I can buy a new motor block and sell the skimmer for $400 at this rate.

Haha don't quote me cuz it's been awhile. Try JL. I ended getting mine replace under warranty.

Chin_Lee · #6 03-01-2013, 10:36 PM

yeah the quote on Boxing day was $230.......

ultreef · #7 03-01-2013, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chin_Lee

yeah the quote on Boxing day was $230.......

i didn't get it on boxing day. but like i said, it's been awhile. So it must be my memory playing games. Sorry if i'm giving you wrong info.

ultreef · #8 03-02-2013, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madreefer

Hey try googling some of those Laguna pond pumps. There's apparently one out there that guys are replacing the Red Dragons with. I don't know the model number but its shaped like a hamburger. There's threads about it on that other website.

It's possible. It's a Laguna 1500 I believe. But good lucky getting the pump off the base plate. You'll probably need to get a new one made. By that time it's a lot of money, Laguna plus new base plate. You might save a few bucks.

Chin_Lee · #9 03-02-2013, 03:57 AM

its 200 for a laguna 1500. Its 230 for new motor block. Not enough of a difference to justify the added inconveniences IMO

One_Divided · #10 03-02-2013, 06:03 PM

Damn it! Well, it's sounding like replacing the pump is the way to go. I'm not happy about the price, but on one hand, it does mean my skimmer will be essentially brand new.