so a few things;
when using a carbon fiber rod, it has to be identical in length and diameter to the ceramic shaft,
the real trick to getting problem sicce pumps started is doing it with your finger,
it's the fastest way to start a sicce that is having start up issues.
So just stick your finger in the pump outlet and gently push the impeller in the clockwise direction,
I do this all the time, it wont eat your finger. (well, probably wont, be careful!...
)
also, bringing the pump to the surface of the water so you can submerge and lift out while blowing
down the airline is another good trick.
sicce pumps are a pain to start up, but after that, just leave them running!!!
the skimmer i have has probably been turned off only 2 times in the last year for cleaning, thats it....
also, why mess with this crap??
well, if your a sissy who doesnt want to get your hands wet, then this pump isnt for you...
but if you dont mind a little tinkering, you get incredible performance for minor power consumtion.
I still love the sicce psk 2500 pump because of this, and it wouldnt bug me to give my skimmer a little extra
attention if the power goes out or I am cleaning the skimmer to get it started... but that's me.
the way i look at it, if the power goes out, your head should be "under the hood" of your tank anyway...
it's all in how you look at it, and whats important to you in the end I guess.