Vertex Omega 150 - not skimming as usual

[kamloops_reefer]

I've had this skimmer for just over a year now, and have used it off and on 3 times now between moves. This time, the skimmer just doesn't seem to 'dry skim' very well. Rather than fine bubbles at the top, they are quite large but for the most part the bubble level is just below/above the connection of the skimmer cup during normal operation. Every morning I get some skim, although not quite as thick as I'm used it - its watered down quite a bit. If I adjust it to skim more with the pump output pipe / angular discharge it over skims eventually. I've had past problems (and vertex replaced) with the needle wheel in the past, has anyone had similar problems and offer any solutions? I've already taken the motor apart and rinsed clean - went from over skimming to under skimming. perhaps there is some finicky step I've overlooked.

[Ron99]

Have you tried cleaning out the airline and venturi where the airline goes in? Salt creep etc in there can restrict airflow. Mine is skimming dark crap with no problems. Is your bioload lower than it was before?

[kamloops_reefer]

I rinsed out the foam muffler
have blown air back through the tube (with mouth) all seems to be free and clear. and I believe when that gets clogged it really over skims.


will take apart again, perhaps there is a loose 'O' ring etc. it all comes down to the inconsistent bubbles, so I'm suspecting the motor / needle wheel (again).

[reidcam]

I have the same skimmer and I hate it. I have the same problem your having going to replace it with a swc

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by Ron99

Have you tried cleaning out the airline and venturi where the airline goes in? Salt creep etc in there can restrict airflow. Mine is skimming dark crap with no problems. Is your bioload lower than it was before?

What Ron is getting at is you may need to clean Calcium deposits out of the inside of the venturi - the part that introduces air to the pump

I had a problem with mine last year and found it takes too long to effectively clean it out quickly, so I bought a spare for my Skimz and keep one soaking in vinegar all week. Then I scrub it out with a jewellers flathead screwdriver before use
I clean my skimmer weekly and swap the venturis everytime

[jordsyke]

also having this problem, if you solve it please inform us I have tried different height levels in my sump, I have a csc skimmer in next chamber and it is pulling crud out pretty good so I know it can skim better

[Ron99]

I'm not sure why people have so many problems save for bad impellers which were an issue (and may still be). I know Vertex is working on a completely revised impeller and I suspect anyone with problems will get that once it's done. The pump motor blocks themselves are pretty much bullet proof.

Otherwise, all I can say is mine is working just fine pulling out dark green/brown stinky dry skimmate all day long. They do better in 7 or so inches of water than 9 or 10 and in a chamber with a stable water level. The only time it stops skimming is if I've put something in the tank and oils from my hand maybe affect it etc. But it always goes back to normal.

[The Guy]

I've had my 150 since the xmas sale at J&L 2013 Before I ran it in the sump I ran it in vinegar mixed water for 48 hours for break in, put it in and it dailed in perfect within a day. I've removed it and totally tore it down for a full cleaning once only, but have cleaned the air tube and muffler a few times. Have not had any issues with the needle wheel yet, fingers crossed!