Emergency! Pump broke! Oil in Tank!

[Monad]

Long story short. Last night the pump died and took out the power with it. When it was turned back on, something in the pump blew. Now I have motor oil from the pump in the sump. Not sure about the main display.

I’ve used a shop vac to take out what I can but I’m still worried about the tank. Pump came with the tank. I do not know what kind of pump it is or if the oil in it is “safe.”

What else can I do to prevent more damage?

 

[Monad]

 

[Crabs McJones]

Long story short. Last night the pump died and took out the power with it. When it was turned back on, something in the pump blew. Now I have motor oil from the pump in the sump. Not sure about the main display.

I’ve used a shop vac to take out what I can but I’m still worried about the tank. Pump came with the tank. I do not know what kind of pump it is or if the oil in it is “safe.”

What else can I do to prevent more damage?

What sort of pump are you using? I'm not aware of any aquatic pumps that use any kind of oil or lubrication

 

[Monad]

What sort of pump are you using? I'm not aware of any aquatic pumps that use any kind of oil or lubrication

I just posted pictures. I forgot to include them in the original post. It smells like burnt plastic/oil.

It’s left behind a black residue.

 

[Tamberav]

Looks to be this:

Mag-Drive 9.5 - (950 GPH) Water Pump - Supreme Danner

Shop The Best Saltwater Aquarium Equipment & Supplies at Saltwater Aquarium. We Carry Everything you will Need for your Fish Tank.

www.saltwateraquarium.com

 

[JTP424]

Danner pumps look to be oil free? Did you buy the pump used?
*Edit* sounds like the power unit blew through the epoxy casing. There isn't oil in them, but sounds like some nasty stuff could come loose.

Supreme Aqua-Mag Magnetic Drive Water Pumps

SUPREME AQUA-MAG® 250 to 3600 SERIES PUMPS are ideal for saltwater or freshwater aquariums and can 
operate in-line or submerged, with quiet, efficient and reliable 24/7 performance. They feature a magnet impeller assembly 
and an epoxy encased power unit ensuring that water never gets...

dannermfg.com

 

[Monad]

Danner pumps look to be oil free? Did you buy the pump used?

Yes. Came with the tank. Fish and corals seem okay for now. I’m looking to see if any got into the display tank.

 

[JTP424]

Yeaaaa I would do a BUNCH of water changes....

 

[Tamberav]

“ They feature a magnet impeller assembly 
and an epoxy encased power unit ensuring that water never gets contaminated with harmful oils or chemicals.”

So perhaps the epoxy leaked/broke?

I would drain the compartment it is in out, wipe it all out with paper towels, maybe a little vinegar. Then I would run come carbon when you bring a new pump back online.

If you don’t get the pump for a few days and the water sits stagnant. I would change everything in all compartments of the sump.

 

[Troylee]

That’s a mag drive.. it will be fine.. if anything run some carbon, i’ve had plenty of pumps swell and leak into my tank without any damage.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Danner pumps look to be oil free? Did you buy the pump used?
*Edit* sounds like the power unit blew through the epoxy casing. There IS oil in them.

Supreme Aqua-Mag Magnetic Drive Water Pumps

SUPREME AQUA-MAG® 250 to 3600 SERIES PUMPS are ideal for saltwater or freshwater aquariums and can 
operate in-line or submerged, with quiet, efficient and reliable 24/7 performance. They feature a magnet impeller assembly 
and an epoxy encased power unit ensuring that water never gets...

dannermfg.com

There is no oil, just. Copper. Iron, epoxy and other plastics. That mess is likely the results of a short in the windings.

OP, run carbon and do a water change.

 

[JTP424]

There is no oil, just. Copper. Iron, epoxy and other plastics. That mess is likely the results of a short in the windings.

OP, run carbon and do a water change.

Thank you for clarification

 

[Monad]

Thank you for clarification

Thank you. I’ll need to head to a petco or petsmart to grab some carbon since my LFS is closed. Any recommendations on where I should put it?

 

[Troylee]

Thank you. I’ll need to head to a petco or petsmart to grab some carbon since my LFS is closed. Any recommendations on where I should put it?

In a reactor if you got one.. if not a bag in a high flow area such as a filter socks etc.

 

[Reign1]

Yeah like they said this is a magnetic drive pump. NO oil in it . Impeller likely stopped/seized causing heat . Some melted material. I have had many of these and usually they just stop and swell.
Run carbon

 

[Dom]

Long story short. Last night the pump died and took out the power with it. When it was turned back on, something in the pump blew. Now I have motor oil from the pump in the sump. Not sure about the main display.

I’ve used a shop vac to take out what I can but I’m still worried about the tank. Pump came with the tank. I do not know what kind of pump it is or if the oil in it is “safe.”

What else can I do to prevent more damage?

You can relax.

First, the oil floats on the top of the water. This means that everything will collect in the sump.

The return pump won't pick it up and put it back in to the display. And if any is in the display, it will get skimmed off the water and end up in the sump.

Continue manual removal from the sump and run carbon.

 

[Dom]

What sort of pump are you using? I'm not aware of any aquatic pumps that use any kind of oil or lubrication

That is a Danner Mag Drive Pond Pump.

It must be an old model. I have two, one is the original pump for my first tank. I've never seen this before.

 

[Monad]

You can relax.

First, the oil floats on the top of the water. This means that everything will collect in the sump.

The return pump won't pick it up and put it back in to the display. And if any is in the display, it will get skimmed off the water and end up in the sump.

Continue manual removal from the sump and run carbon.

I’m more worried at this point about the plastic bits I missed getting into the display. I’m rinsing some activated carbon now. I’m going to add it to the tank as soon as the powder stops rinsing off.