Vertex Skimmer club

[mark54321]

So I have a USED Vertex IN-180 with factory pump sitting in 8.5 inches of water. For the last month it was very easy to dial in. Now in the last two days even with it wide open the water level inside the skimmer sits half way up the collection cup. Ive taken the pump out cleaned it made sure the venturi wasnt plugged. Im at a loss of what could be causing this. Someone please help. I dont want this thing to overflow while Im away from home

UPDATE!!!
Well after a little more tinkering I found out the root of the problem. The elbow for the airline was clogged with who knows what sort of nasty. But all is good and running like a champ again!

Had the same problem with mine.I don't attach air line to the elbow no more.I think it restricted too much air flow anyway.

 

[zhewitt04]

Hello, I ahve a question with the vertex in-180. I didn't read all 80 pages so if this has been covered I appoligize. I am curious if there is anyway to upgrade my current pump to a larger pump in order to increase productivity. I was hoping I could run a mag7 or somthing with a ventri in order to produce more skim. Would this work or is there more to it than just size? Secondly could the skimmer be ran external? I want to run a larger pump up to the skimmer and then conintue the return with PVC. will this work?
Thanks

 

[Waggs]

I think they were designed with the amount of water flow that the pump came with it is optimized for best performance. As for running outside the sump. You might want to look up Vertex and ask them.

 

[zhewitt04]

I think they were designed with the amount of water flow that the pump came with it is optimized for best performance. As for running outside the sump. You might want to look up Vertex and ask them.

Thanks!

 

[sondaar]

Can anyone tell me what size tubing is used for the colection cup drain on an IN-180?
Thanks

 

[Jeffrey NY]

Need help! I want to sell my Brand new Vertex alpha 170 skimmer, but I don't know where to post it? Thanks in advance for all the help.

 

[sandwi54]

Need help! I want to sell my Brand new Vertex alpha 170 skimmer, but I don't know where to post it? Thanks in advance for all the help.

You need to have more than 50 post counts in order to post a for sale ad.

For sale ads are posted in the regional forums.

 

[blackgate]

Just pulled the trigger on an alpha 170. Saw it perform at a friend's house and it was rockin! Hard to part with that much money, but the quality was way more than impressive.

 

[illcssd]

I have the vertex in-180 and for the past few weeks it's been working fine. Then two days ago, i started getting a massive amount of microbubbles and I don't know how to stop it. I haven't changed anything, or dosed anything. Any suggestions?

 

[Chromey316]

I have the vertex in-180 and for the past few weeks it's been working fine. Then two days ago, i started getting a massive amount of microbubbles and I don't know how to stop it. I haven't changed anything, or dosed anything. Any suggestions?

When have you cleaned the pump and impeller last?

 

[illcssd]

4 weeks ago when i received it. It was used, and I gave it a good cleaning/vinegar soak.

 

[gannmann9876]

I have an in 180 with a bb 3000. I get a lot of microbubbles. I was wondering if anyone has tried the bb2000 on this skimmer.

 

[coffeetwitch]

will the in-100 work well enough for a heavily stocked 90 gallon with a 40breeder sump or should i cough up another 100$ for the in180?

thanks guys.

 

[EvMiBo]

will the in-100 work well enough for a heavily stocked 90 gallon with a 40breeder sump or should i cough up another 100$ for the in180?

thanks guys.

I would cough up the extra $ for the 180.

 

[eggiel]

Vertex Should make a cleaning head for the IN series skimmers
I have one in my Vertex Alpha 200 and it rocks

 

[coffeetwitch]

thanks for the reply, now to read through this whole thread to find out more about the pump that seems to be mentioned a lot, and to find the actual footprint vs the advertised 14" x 10½" on the vertex website.

 

[coffeetwitch]

Ok so I'm confused. I cannot put a bubble blaster hy-2000s on a 3rd gen in-100 body?

I know that it was recomended to get the in-180 but I'm just trying to get all my bases covered by way of options.

 

[mojo~]

the 2000 bb pumps is too large for the 100 body. The 2000 pump will put out 1200 lph of air. you should look at getting the tunze 9410 instead.

 

[mojo~]

I have an in 180 with a bb 3000. I get a lot of microbubbles. I was wondering if anyone has tried the bb2000 on this skimmer.

the 2000 is a better fit. The 3000 can work but really its too large for the body and neck. The pump pulls too much water and is causing you to push bubbles out the skimmer.

 

[coffeetwitch]

the 2000 bb pumps is too large for the 100 body. The 2000 pump will put out 1200 lph of air. you should look at getting the tunze 9410 instead.

sorry mojo, i ment to say 1000, i just fat fingered my phone when i typed that.

its just that while i know i want to go plus one on my skimmer, im just concerned that a 180 would be too big for my planed 90g. im hoping that a bb 1000 pump would make the 100 a better match to a heavy bio load. would the tunze 9410 do that better than the bb 1000?