Vertex Skimmer club

My skimmate isn't reaching the skimmer cup, I have the skimmer in 8" of water and the valve almost closed to try and allow the water to reach the cup. Right now the skimmate builds up in the neck of the skimmer. The skimmer is over a month old.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15726889#post15726889 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NyReefNoob
anything blocking the air line or restricting flow into the skimmer, loving the in 180
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I don't believe so, maybe I have the gray twist cap that connects the airline to the standpipe on too tight?
in180a.jpg
 
I found that taking the pipe off the end of the elbow and allowing the end of the elbow to stay slightly above water makes the skimmer more stable.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15724122#post15724122 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mojo~
run it at 7 to 8 inches of water. and let it run wide open the first day.
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I have it now set at 7 to 7-1/2" of water at full open. Now if I understand correctly, closing the tube would cause the water level inside the skimmer body to raise up amking the skimate more wet... Is this necessary, or is putting the water level at 7" just that perfect sweet spot to where I don't need to adjust the tube?

Thanks for all the help and info mojo!
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15736923#post15736923 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jkinros
I have it now set at 7 to 7-1/2" of water at full open. Now if I understand correctly, closing the tube would cause the water level inside the skimmer body to raise up amking the skimate more wet... Is this necessary, or is putting the water level at 7" just that perfect sweet spot to where I don't need to adjust the tube?
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you're going to need to adjust the tube (aka wedge pipe). and yes, you're correct - closing the wedge pipe raises water in the skimmer. the main reason you're running it open to begin with is because the pump needs to be "broken in" - skimmers are not consistent at all to begin with, normally. IMO, the reason we/you should keep the water level at 7 to 8 inches is because it gives you your best skimmate production potential at a consistent rate. Just let that pump break itself in and slowly start "closing" the wedge pipe over a couple weeks until you're getting the amount of skimmate you feel is correct. Hope this helps :)
 
Thanks for the info EvMiBo.

How loud is loud when it comes to skimmers? I have never had a "real" skimmer before, but I can hear a humming sound from the pump. and IMO it maybe a bit loud, but then again, I wouldn't know what to compare it to... any info what I can do to lower noise level or maybe something I can compare it to or if I should be worried???? thanks all
 
jkinros- honestly, this is my first real skimmer too. Sometimes I think it's a little bit on the loud side. I wouldn't worry about it too much unless you're hearing some unusual noises from the pump (clicking, etc) or if you live with someone that thinks it too loud.

Doni- looks great man I'm jealous!
 
I only have the IN 100, but it isn't loud at all, practically silent. Occasionally, though, when I restart it after feeding, water changes, ect., I'll notice a little hum and I shut it off and restart it, and it usually goes back to being silent again.
 
Well my previous post disappeared so I'll try again. The pump on my IN-250 has now died. Friday I had to turn it off to move some cords and that was the last time it would run. Even taking out the impeller didn't help. If I positioned the impeller just right it would make one rotation then stop. Still waiting to hear from Aquacave where I bought it as to how the warranty will be handled. I only had the skimmer running for a month on a storage tank for break in and then just over a week on the new tank. ARRGGGH!

For now I'm using an Eheim NW pump I had and its working ok.
 
Kenfuzed said:
Well my previous post disappeared so I'll try again. The pump on my IN-250 has now died. Friday I had to turn it off to move some cords and that was the last time it would run. Even taking out the impeller didn't help. If I positioned the impeller just right it would make one rotation then stop. Still waiting to hear from Aquacave where I bought it as to how the warranty will be handled. I only had the skimmer running for a month on a storage tank for break in and then just over a week on the new tank. ARRGGGH!

For now I'm using an Eheim NW pump I had and its working ok.
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I haven't dealt with aquacave but I don't see why it wouldn't be replaced for you. Keep us updated :)
 
sdheath said:
That's because you haven't dealt with Aquacave.
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regardless, I believe all Vertex skimmers come with a 1 year limited warranty.

I just recently had my IN100 gen1 pump replaced not because it stopped working, but because it started to leak electricity into the tank. This is after almost 9 months. Granted, I ordered from PA originally (amazing customer service).

Kenfuzed- if you don't hear from aquacave soon send me a PM.
 
GPH of in-vertex 280 generation 2 pump?

GPH of in-vertex 280 generation 2 pump?

I can't seem to find the information I need. I have an in-280 generation 2 skimmer. Does anyone know how many GPH the pump pushes. I'm thinking my new 180G tank doesn't have enough flow through the sump so it may be reskimming skimmed water.
 
Actually Aquacave has been very helpful in getting this resolved and actually hooked me up directly with the manufacturer to troubleshoot. The mfg walked me through troubleshooting the pump and it turns out the assembly was missing part of the rubber bushing that supports the rear of the shaft. The impeller is then allowed to wander off center causing the problem. They are sending me all new parts. Therefore the problem is an incorrect assembly as opposed to a defect which makes me feel a little better about the product. I will provide an update once I have the parts. For now the skimmer is running on my old Eheim NW pump which is actually performing quite well. Getting a dry skim of very dense foam.

edsbeaker: I think the reason there is no listed GPH is because it would vary based on how much air is introduced and other factors like depth. Many skimmer pumps including the RD only show air intake (lph) rather than GPH. If you want to roughly figure your GPH try allowing the output of the skimmer fill a 1 gallon container and time it. Figure out the GPM and multiply by 60. However no skimmer will ever capture 100% of the overflow water unless it is designed to have the over plumbed into the body. To prevent reskimming I direct the skimmer output away from the direction of the intake pump, while directing the overflow water as close to the pump as possible. It is still better to end up reskimming than to have the sump flow so fast it bypasses the skimmer.
 
I recently purchased a Vertex IN80 skimmer from RC. The skimmer had been running great the past few weeks or so. The last couple of days I noticed that the pump is louder than usual. The skimmer is functioning correctly but the noise is bothering me. Could there be an issue with the pump? I tried to open the pump to clean up the inside but I don't know how to open it. Anyone else experience anything similar?
 
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