Trouble shoot Vertex Skimmer

FoxyFace · 08/20/2009, 09:57 PM

I've had my Vertex 180 in the sump for about 2 weeks. It started out great, but now I can't get dry foam. I get watery tea like color. I mean really watery. It seems like it's lost it's power. I checked all connections. They're tight. I rinsed the air line. What do you guys think?

Mr. Thingdoer · 08/20/2009, 11:43 PM

Either
-somethings in the water
-It's still breaking in
-the skimmer needs to be raised

I had that same problem after two weeks, but treated for all three of the possible issues. The problem went away.

What I did was
-run carbon
-had a stand built and raised the skimmer 1 1/2"

ellevan11 · 08/21/2009, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mr. Thingdoer

-the skimmer needs to be raised
-had a stand built and raised the skimmer 1 1/2"

Like stated.. You will have this issue if the water level is to high, its suggested that it be in 8 to 10 inches of water then you can fine tune it.

How deep is the water you have it in?

sedor · 08/21/2009, 06:21 AM

Skimmers can be tricky to dial in. I don't know how experienced you are, but have you adjusted the outlet tube that will lower and raise your water level? I like to start all the way down and raise it up slowly until i'm getting the foam production I like.

mojo~ · 08/21/2009, 08:46 AM

yea just simply lower the water level. If you changed carbon it will affect you output for sure. once it catches up it will slow down.
Pictures would be helpful

Mojo~

FoxyFace · 08/21/2009, 08:51 AM

I have the sump level at 8.5 inches but can go lower if needed. I run carbon. It's just strange that it was working great and then started producing really watery foam. Oh, I've been really good about wiping it out almost daily. I dump the cup daily.

Mr. Thingdoer · 08/21/2009, 02:34 PM

I found that mine likes to be in 7" of water, but I have the IN80

FoxyFace · 09/30/2009, 04:03 PM

Turned the skimmer off for a water change and the pump won't start.

08/20/2009, 09:57 PM	#1
FoxyFace Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 52	Trouble shoot Vertex Skimmer I've had my Vertex 180 in the sump for about 2 weeks. It started out great, but now I can't get dry foam. I get watery tea like color. I mean really watery. It seems like it's lost it's power. I checked all connections. They're tight. I rinsed the air line. What do you guys think?

08/20/2009, 11:43 PM	#2
Mr. Thingdoer Don't ban me bro Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 955	Either -somethings in the water -It's still breaking in -the skimmer needs to be raised I had that same problem after two weeks, but treated for all three of the possible issues. The problem went away. What I did was -run carbon -had a stand built and raised the skimmer 1 1/2" __________________ "I will see you there, or I will see you on another time" Current Tank Info: In progress: 57G DB EDGE, Maxspect Gyre 130, Trigger Sys Ruby 30, Reef Octopus INT110

08/21/2009, 06:21 AM	#4
sedor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 4,689	Skimmers can be tricky to dial in. I don't know how experienced you are, but have you adjusted the outlet tube that will lower and raise your water level? I like to start all the way down and raise it up slowly until i'm getting the foam production I like. __________________ Ryan

08/21/2009, 08:46 AM	#5
mojo~ Skimmer Guy Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: IN Posts: 5,647	yea just simply lower the water level. If you changed carbon it will affect you output for sure. once it catches up it will slow down. Pictures would be helpful Mojo~ __________________ Mojo~

08/21/2009, 08:51 AM	#6
FoxyFace Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 52	Skimmer I have the sump level at 8.5 inches but can go lower if needed. I run carbon. It's just strange that it was working great and then started producing really watery foam. Oh, I've been really good about wiping it out almost daily. I dump the cup daily.

08/21/2009, 02:34 PM	#7
Mr. Thingdoer Don't ban me bro Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 955	I found that mine likes to be in 7" of water, but I have the IN80 __________________ "I will see you there, or I will see you on another time" Current Tank Info: In progress: 57G DB EDGE, Maxspect Gyre 130, Trigger Sys Ruby 30, Reef Octopus INT110

09/30/2009, 04:03 PM	#8
FoxyFace Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 52	Pump Turned the skimmer off for a water change and the pump won't start.