Vertex Skimmer not making bubbles

[rbraunberger]

Hey All,

I just purchased my first tank and protein skimmer. I know that the skimmers have a break in period, but should they be making any bubbles at the start? Mine is just pushing water with very few surface bubbles at all.

Thanks for all the help in advance!

 

[rfgonzo]

Do you have the Airline hooked up? Is it running in saltwater? skimmers won't work in fresh water. What Vertex is it?

 

[rbraunberger]

Hello,

I do have the airline hooked up, in saltwater, and it is the Vertex 130

 

[droog]

Sounds like the needlewheel pump might be broken, or the airline is blocked somewhere. Perhaps there's a kink in the line or something.

Skimmers always make a TON of bubbles. There may not be foam during break in or feeding, but there should always be bubbles. If not something is wrong. If new I would return for replacement otherwise check the airline hookup, and pump fittings. May need to take the pump apart.

-droog

 

[CafeReef]

does the airline hose have an adjustable valve or cap on the top? My skimmer, while not the same as yours, had a cap that was temporary to keep it from being clogged during shipping. I replaced it with a adjustable air valve off of an old powerhead. Like mentioned before, if it is closed and not pulling in any air = no bubbles.

 

[reefwiser]

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[rbraunberger]

will a lack of a lot of a bio-load cause the skimmer to have trouble starting up?

 

[tharkins]

I have the vertex 150...it had plenty of bubbles from day one but took 3 or so weeks to start producing foam and skimmate. Now up and running for about 6 weeks and its great.

I would call your dealer or vertex support if you have no bubbles.

 

[Dayson]

I have a vertex 170 and it makes a ton of bubbles. I assume that you made the necessary adjustments...

 

[oldbones]

Try lifting the skimmer up so the pump is only partially submerged, the. Turn it on. Or, pull the airline loose from the silencer and blow a puff of air down the tube while the pump is running.