1. by blowers you mean power heads right? if you have powerheads I'd run it right to the surface to encourage gas exchange. I'd get some kind of HOB filter to keep water somewhat filtered until the new pump comes in, but I would think by the time the filter started 'filtering' it would be about the time that the new pump comes in. You're better off scoring an operating pump from one of the members.

2. you have a faulty ground somewhere... may not be involved with your pump. Good luck with that. Electricity hurts and water makes it worse.

3. If a member doesn't have one, how about the lending bank here on MAAST. If not the right pump, can you make do with a standard pump?