Vertex Skimmer club

It's in a 156 Fowlr w/ 80 gallon sump. Funny thing is that the skimmer was working fine until I changed out pump "face" because of factory defect (rusting screws). Even at the 10 " mark. Thx for the help.
 
SimplyReefer said:
I am trying to decide between the vertex IN 180 and the SWC Mini
its going to be for a 120g sps med-heavy bioload
Click to expand...

Stock IN180
32-34 scfh (w/ included pinwheel)
32 watts
13.5 x 11 x 24 (LWH, inches)
$284.99

Stock SWC Mini S Xtreme Cone
34 scfh (w/ included custom pinwheel)
40-45 scfh (w/ optional mesh wheel)
25 watts
10.5 x 10.5 x 23 (LWH)
$379.99

Looks like you're getting a slightly better skimmer in the SWC Mini but you're paying around $100 more for it. Also, from what I've read the psk-2500 that comes with the SWC Mini is a little more reliable than the stock vertex pump. You could purchase the IN180 then add a bubbleblaster3000 but I'm unsure about the scfh values for that, you would also be running at ~35-40 watts. Decisions decisions! Unless you need the smaller footprint and want to save 7watts I think the IN180 for the price is a better skimmer.
 
Last edited:
Hey all, its been a while since i have been on here. But my stock pump on my Gen-1 vertex 100 has just about had it, so im looking for some advice on a new one. Or maybe a good place to buy a new stock one. Any help would be great!!!
 
FishGuy5 said:
It's in a 156 Fowlr w/ 80 gallon sump. Funny thing is that the skimmer was working fine until I changed out pump "face" because of factory defect (rusting screws). Even at the 10 " mark. Thx for the help.
Click to expand...

How long was it working fine prior to changing out the pump face and screws? I also run my sump at 10". Thanks for your input guys!
 
gorey said:
Wow, I thought it might be a little cheaper!!! Hey can i buy just the pinwheel? Looks like mine has a crack on the magnet thats on the pinwheel. Or is there an upgraded pump that anyone has tried? I would like to take a look at all the options out there before i buy.
Click to expand...

You can buy just the impeller. Does your pump "buzz" when you plug it in? Just last week, I too thought my pump had died on my IN-100 and I emailed the guys over at Premium Aquatics asking for recommendations on a replacement pump. I had mentioned that the pump did still make a very slight buzzing noise and Jeremy over there said that meant the pump was probably fine and it was likely an issue with my impeller. When I took my impeller out, I saw there was a small crack in the magnet and it seemed to have swollen from corrosion. He said that if it did not work, I could return the new impeller and they would help me get a different pump. However, once I put the new impeller in, my pump started back up and was actually a bit quieter than before (guess my impeller was off balance for a while and finally became too large to spin correctly). Here's the link for an IN-100 impeller:

http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/VX-PA-IM08.html
 
i just join the club i got a in 180 but is not what i expected is there any mod or diff pump that i can do or replace to get a better skimmate? i belivie my is gen 3
 
rickyjai8 said:
i just join the club i got a in 180 but is not what i expected is there any mod or diff pump that i can do or replace to get a better skimmate? i belivie my is gen 3
Click to expand...

How long have you had it? Your pump may not be broken in yet, which would explain your disappointment.
 
EvMiBo said:
I do not have a 180 and therefore no need for a bb3000. That being said I've modded my IN100 with different pumps a couple of times and the concept is similar. Your water level is way to high for this powerful, aftermarket pump. I would try 8" first. If you're not satisfied try 7.5" then 7". Keep your wedge pipe towards the "open" side and dial that puppy in.

Out of curiosity what size system are you running this on? A 180 with bb3000 is a nice skimmer and could handle some fairly large tanks when dialed in correctly.
Click to expand...

Can you tell me which pumps you have tried on your n100 and which ones worked the best. Would a 180 be over kill on a 90g
 
Last edited:
I finally put the tunze pump on my n 100 2nd gen At 8 inches it skimmed very wet with the pipe open all the way. I'm trying it at 7 1/2 inches now to see what will happen . is this normal to have to change water depth I don't now much about skimmer tuning beside turning the pipe.
 
razataz5 said:
I finally put the tunze pump on my n 100 2nd gen At 8 inches it skimmed very wet with the pipe open all the way. I'm trying it at 7 1/2 inches now to see what will happen . is this normal to have to change water depth I don't now much about skimmer tuning beside turning the pipe.
Click to expand...

For the break in period it may be necessary to keep it at a more shallow water depth. You're going in the right direction.

I have mine at 8 with the tunze pump, but it's a gen1 in100 so there may be slight difference.

Keep us updated.
 
EvMiBo said:
For the break in period it may be necessary to keep it at a more shallow water depth. You're going in the right direction.

I have mine at 8 with the tunze pump, but it's a gen1 in100 so there may be slight difference.

Keep us updated.
Click to expand...

I have it at 7" now going to give it a try
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

sauceyreefOG
New (but old) Member - Hello!
Replies
12
Views
518
Reefing102
Reefing102
Guygettnby
Stuck between 2 skimmers...
Replies
12
Views
395
Guygettnby
Guygettnby
S
Why do oversized protein skimmers not adequately remove protein from a tank?
Replies
12
Views
186
Paul B
Paul B
M
ATO Problem in JBJ NanoCube 24g
Replies
0
Views
218
MNtadpole
M
L
Adapting a Venturi to old reef octopus skimmer
Replies
2
Views
212
wvned
wvned
Back
Top