Vertex Skimmer club
- Thread starter JohnL
- Start date
ulysses191
New member
250 piggy too tall and 280 piggy too fat for my sump, 180 fit just right. officially joined the club, just got it and dropped it in after a simple rinse.
Question- Ideally, should the outflow from the skimmer be on the opposite side of the skimmer from the pump? Or is it ok to have it return above and down over the pump? Basically, is it better to send the skimmed water to the sump outflow or better to kind of "recirculate" by coming back out near the pump.
Also, the way its set up, I need to have a sock over the skimmer outflow to stop bubbles. does that cause any performance drop?
Finally, thanks Mojo and everyone else that contributed to this thread in helping me make a more comfortable and informed skimmer choice. You guys are awesome !!
Question- Ideally, should the outflow from the skimmer be on the opposite side of the skimmer from the pump? Or is it ok to have it return above and down over the pump? Basically, is it better to send the skimmed water to the sump outflow or better to kind of "recirculate" by coming back out near the pump.
Also, the way its set up, I need to have a sock over the skimmer outflow to stop bubbles. does that cause any performance drop?
Finally, thanks Mojo and everyone else that contributed to this thread in helping me make a more comfortable and informed skimmer choice. You guys are awesome !!
jck9
In Memoriam
my personal preference is to have the output of the skimmer away from the pump but im no expert. someone else will probably chime in. i have the 180 as well. how do you like it so far? as for the sock it shouldnt hurt the skimmer performance any but it may not pull as much because the sock is trapping some stuff as well. the bubbles will probably slow down some as it breaks in.
ulysses191
New member
seriously,
you guys are the best!
so far loving it compared to the ASM G1x.
Hasn't been 24 hours yet, and i've been tweaking it so much, can't really gage the performance, but love the design and I actually like the twist valve better than the gate I had on the ASM.
Will post pics soon.
Best,
Uly
you guys are the best!
so far loving it compared to the ASM G1x.
Hasn't been 24 hours yet, and i've been tweaking it so much, can't really gage the performance, but love the design and I actually like the twist valve better than the gate I had on the ASM.
Will post pics soon.
Best,
Uly
Just got my 180 today......its better than I thought....great quality....it is currently being rinsed out and going in tomorrow. The only question I have is the fittings, There is a piece labelled with an A. Does this matter where it goes compared to the others?
Will keep u updated.
Will keep u updated.
Last edited:
jck9
In Memoriam
alright guys i have a question. first let me start by saying that i absolutely love my gen 1 in-180. so this has nothing to do with poor performance. as my wife would say i have a problem. i cant leave well enough alone. so my question is to those that have a gen2 or just know alot about skimmers. i am thinking about modding my gen 1 basically into a gen 2. shorter bubble plate (maybe a little wider too), pump output into the skimmer straight in rather than the 90*. mojo especially, knowing your expertise in skimmers, do you think this is worth it? i would basically start by removing the bottom black base with the bubble chamber still attached and making a new base with a much shorter and fatter bubble chamber. second i would have to cover the hole that the pump output went into the skimmer body somehow. probably just a square piece of acrylic attached to the outside. this is the part i need the help on. i want it too look good not frankenstein -ish. i know it wont be perfect . last i will have to re-mount the pump to the skimmer body. i have two possibilities here. 1) mount it like the gen 2 vertex skimmers with the pump on its side. or 2) mount it underneith the skimmer body like an msx 160. so mojo and anyone else that has some ideas please chime in. let me know what you think. like i said this is an awesome skimmer as is but i think it could be better. the gen 2 is a better design so i want to go more that route with my own little twists. thanks guys
Kenfuzed
New member
I too am afflicted with Cantleavewellenoughalone-itis. However I also believe in "if it aint borke...". Before embarking on major modifications make sure you won't make things worse than what you started with, because many times you can't go back. I have modded every skimmer imaginable and sometimes you have to be prepared to cut bait when things don't work.
On the bright side if the modded skimmer fails you could always buy a Gen 2 Vertex
mojo~
Skimmer Guy
The en 2 is a little better sesign as its less restrictive and uses more of the chamber. However, I would not fully Mod out my gen 1 to do so. Not worth hacking up a perfectly good skimmer. I would run it the way it is or sell it and upgrade to the gen 2. Cutting and hacking away at a skimmer and putting it back together isnt as easy as it seems. Its never perfect and I think you will end up with a product that will not be re sellable later too.
Mojo~
Mojo~
EvMiBo
VictoriaConcordiaCrescit
+1. Unless you're superb with cutting and putting acrylic back together, I'd sell it and get a gen 2 if you really want a gen2. My gen1 IN100 is still flawless after 5 months.. I've thought about selling it for a gen2 just so I wouldn't be obsolete but I really don't think it's necessary to replace a good, functioning product.
intenseimage
Active member
Currently have a 75g with small sump but am moving the sump to the basement with a 150g rubbermaid being put into use. I am debating between a few skimmers right now (want to oversize in case of future expansion) and was wondering if the 280 may be gross overkill
2dawghouse
New member
Well its official, I am now apart of the vertex skimmer club, thanks Mojo. I just ordered a IN-180 gen II from PA for my SPS 120 tank, it should be here on Weds. I also got an extra wheel for what maybe a soon to be mesh job.
And if possible...a custom volute.
And if possible...a custom volute.
Kenfuzed
New member
Sign me up for the club, I just ordered my IN-250. Since I'm not the type to hold my tongue I'll be giving my honest review. However that might be a while, this will be for my 180 in-wall that is still under construction. I have my 60g bowfront up and running but I don't think there's much chance of fitting that skimmer in the 8g sump 
