Vertex 100 protein skimmer
 

I just bought the vertex 100 skimmer, brought it home put it together and stuck it in my sump. As per the instructions I left it open for the first 24 hours. Which probably would have been fine, If the damn pump would have run for more than 20 min at a time. It runs for about 20 min then it stopped. I unplugged it for 20 min as it was warm to the touch, then plugged it back in. It started to hum but not pump any water, so I gently tapped the side and top of the motor and it started to pump again .. but about 20 to 30 min later it stopped again ...

Its going back to the LFS today ..

Heres to hoping they will replace the pump or exchange the unit ..

Lovely. I have one sitting in its box at home. Hopefully mine will work ok as I bet the store credit will be run out by the time I get to install it.

Simple fix
 

Guys this was a common problem with the Ceramic shaft in the Impellor system. Its due to some " Fine Grindings" and is a simple fix with a new ceramic shaft(most LFS will cover replacements). I have a in250 Vertex and it works great after replacement.

Oh this is good to know!! Thanks for sharing! :)

so should we be taking them apart and cleaning them befor we flash them up?

Steve

i have an 100 also, but it doesnt seem to want to start up at all. it started up before in the past but i didnt have my tank running then. i take the front plate off of the pump and the impellor kinda starts to move but not really, but once i put that front plate on again it doesnt do anything. is this the impellor or the entire motor for this thing.

see that is the difference in those skimmers.
you have quality Deltec Mce 300,500,600
Euroreef 80 100

then you have Quantity like Vertex's with they fancy bubble plates, mesh pumps that are made from some crappy pump company. on reef central so many people are mad about the pumps the shafts breaking off and the pumps not working and that is the main reason for the skimmer...

Took my pump to the LFS where I got it, They explained the problem with the fine ceramic shavings to me and gladly replaced the shaft with a shaft from a new pump and cleaned my pump out and the new shaft. I have the skimmer back home and hooked up, BUT , it runs for a bit then shuts down for a bit then starts back up again. Think I will take it back again.

i dont really have that option because i ordered it from J&l about 3 months ago. could i use another pump from another skimmer?

Most pumps for skimmers are taliored to work with that skimmer, but you could try it :)