Vertex Skimmer club - Page 24

ernordstrom · 01/04/2009, 10:41 AM

I agree the service is amazing to say the least. I was referring to the product manufacturer.

mojo~ · 01/04/2009, 10:49 AM

I would say it would be nice to here from vertex somewhere some how. even if the got there website up so people might be able to contact a customer service line or something. PA, MD, and the others selling this item have done a awesome job taking care of any issues you might have had. I hope they get this resolved though. Great bang for buck skimmer but would be nice if was the way it was suppose to be.

oldreefer76 · 01/04/2009, 11:02 AM

Going to Phishybusiness today to look at the vertex for my 58g Oceanic build, been trying to decide between the vertex and aquaeuorusa line have a lfs that carries the aqua also

ernordstrom · 01/04/2009, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mojo46825
I would say it would be nice to here from vertex somewhere some how. even if the got there website up so people might be able to contact a customer service line or something. PA, MD, and the others selling this item have done a awesome job taking care of any issues you might have had. I hope they get this resolved though. Great bang for buck skimmer but would be nice if was the way it was suppose to be.

I totally agree. Doesn't the distributor (PA or MD) end up losing money because of this or are they reimbersed somehow?

patsfan1130 · 01/04/2009, 11:07 AM

I am looking for a new skimmer on my 90g w/ 20g sump and I like what I am reading on these skimmers. Unfortunately I do not have a lot of room in my sump. Looks like the IS-180 would be ideal but I dont think it will fit. Do you guys think the 100 will do the job? I am at a crossroads here. Get the 100 or make a larger compartment. I dont want to get an underpowered skimmer.

TIA
Mark

mojo~ · 01/04/2009, 11:24 AM

well to be quite honest if the room is small and you need a powerful skimmer you might want to look at the msx 160. run the pinwheel. Thats a small footprint skimmer and will be better for you than a in 100 for your water volume. The in 180 would work well too but if size is a concern you might want to go the other route. good luck
Older reefer. The aquaeuro was basically a octo skimmer with a different pump from what I can remember. I believe the vertex in 100 will get you up with the times a little better as far as skimmers go.

oldreefer76 · 01/04/2009, 01:50 PM

Just came back from Phishybusiness a sponsor here on RC and looked at the Vertex in person and spoke with them about the IN100 and am sold on it, don't think I am going to find a better skimmer for the price, so will be joining the club in a couple of weeks

tangtang clown · 01/04/2009, 04:07 PM

Sounds good oldreefer, except for the number of peeps who have had ISSUES with the vertex skimmers. I would wait and let them figure the issues of their "first line" of skimmers and get something dependable. Unless you have a back up skimmer, you could get a vertex and when/if it breaks, you could put the back up in until your vendor sends you another whatever, just like 90% of the people on this thread have had to do. I would like to try one of these skimmers, but the only way I would do so is if I had a back up skimmer ready. Good luck, take pics when you get it.

frenchie · 01/04/2009, 04:22 PM

vertex doesn't have a big problem even guys at PA said it has only been a couple with a hazy skimmers cups and even just a small batch of bad impellars, in all for the price its a great skimmer. It would be different if we were spending 600 bucks but 100 to 200 bucks for skimmer that is performing awesome is not bad honestly if you put a different pump this skimmer more reliable better name this skimmer probally run about price of euroreef skimmer cause i think everyone will agree it is a solid well built skimmer.

frenchie · 01/04/2009, 04:25 PM

Honestly if i had the room i would have went with msx 200 but i am happy with decision i made cause my tank is showing the difference and i'm skimmed probally about double of what my modded octopus 150 did. Once work picks back up i'm gonna rebuild sump on my 75 gallon and get a cone skimmer next and set my euroreef on side for back up skimmer.

sandhillcrane · 01/04/2009, 05:23 PM

Just joined the club...

I received my IN100 from PA the other day and finally got a chance to cram it into my 15 gal sump and fire it up yesterday. The cup has the weird crazing/scratches that others have noticed. That's not so bad but wow, that pump is pretty loud....

I took it apart today and the impeller spins freely but it feels like its not well balanced. Will have to see if I can get a replacement from PA. While I had it apart, I also pulled the inlet pipe out a little per the recommendation of d.french. Works a lot better.

Whyireef · 01/04/2009, 06:21 PM

From my experience and observations in this thread, I have drawn a few pertinent considerations:

1. Some of the impellers/needle wheels have arrived not well balanced.

Both MD and PA replace these, once identified, so call them! My replacement arrived promptly and is PERFECTLY symmetrical. Quiets the pump down, too.

2. Some of the collection cups have crazing.

Both MD and PA replace these, once identified.

3. Some say the pump is loud.

I suggest maybe these are issue number 1 above (perhaps). Call for a new impeller/needle wheel and the pump should quiet down.

4. Design is good (ala proven Euro Reef w/bubble plate)

Very true - nothing wrong with the design whatsoever, it's solid.

5. Acrylic construction / quality is top notch

Very true - other than a few crazed collection cups (MD/PA will both replace them). We've all seen pics here on RC of Bubble King crazed collection cups (on their mini's), so this issue shouldn't be exaggerated by anyone with a sound mind.

6. Output benefits from canting above waterline or drilled hole

I drilled a whole in my output elbow; some have canted the output so it's half in/half out of the water. This mod does make a difference in the amount of bubbles, perhaps the efficiency of the motor increases, too.

7. Pump is rated rather high (watts)

True. But now we know this pump was labeled before the needle wheel was taken into account, so with the needle wheel, the 40 watt pump jumps down to 28ish or thereabouts.

Even with some of the unavoidable issues above, these issues are only on a few machines, and the vast majority of perfectly fine examples haven't been written about on this thread. That's just the nature of everything; folks talk about products with issues 20 times more than they talk about those same products without issues.

I vote these Vertex skimmers are gems. If I didn't know any better, I would say some of the naysayers are projecting exaggerated negative views on these Vertex skimmers because they feel terrible for overpaying on other brands (perhaps, I could be wrong; maybe they'd complain about a miracle.....)

rackmsukr · 01/04/2009, 06:58 PM

If any of you are having issues with the pump being loud, I would check the ceramic shaft and make sure it is not wearing away. I have the IN 250. When I first fired it up it was very quiet, but after about 4 days it slowly got louder and louder. I investigated the impeller and shaft and noticed that the ceramic shaft was no longer perfectly round. I went ahead and reassembled the pump and continued to run the skimmer. I ran it for about 4 more days and then once again examined the ceramic shaft and noticed that it was getting even worse. At that point I contacted PA and they were happy to give me a new impeller and shaft. After I installed the new parts it once again is quiet as a mouse! I would guess that if you were going to have a defective shaft that it would be noticeable within the first week of use. It didn't take mine long to start wearing uneven and I bet if I didn't replace it, it would have eventually just snapped?

ernordstrom · 01/04/2009, 07:54 PM

I am getting mine tommorrow...I am hoping as I open the box for a nice shiny collection cup...not a crazed one...I will post pics regardless.

Jen D · 01/04/2009, 08:07 PM

For the record, despite having the double wammy of the crazed collection cup and the sticking impeller, I would repeat the purchase. I think this is going to be great once I get it up and running properly.

Whyireef: Thanks for the summary. I think it'll be really helpful to those with concerns about purchasing.

ecoreefer · 01/04/2009, 08:09 PM

I decided to bite the bullet and ordered this skimmer -even though I'm a few months from setting up. Just can't beat the price being offered currently. Ordered a 180. Thanks everyone for the feedback so far -keep the reviews and pics coming!

Jen D · 01/04/2009, 08:11 PM

PA said I was only the second to have a crazed cup out of around 300 sold, so it doesn't seem to be a big issue (less than 1%). It just happened that both purchasers had been previously involved in this thread to report their experience.

Crustman · 01/04/2009, 08:47 PM

Wow 300; they must have been moving them out of the store like double cheeseburgers at McDonalds! I am glad I got in on the Christmas sale and thanks Mojo and others for steering me to the Vertex.

JACOXVIII · 01/04/2009, 11:00 PM

i get mine the in-250 tommorrow

tangtang clown · 01/05/2009, 07:16 AM

Nice write up WHYIREEF. I just feel bad for the people who had to send parts back after the excitement of getting something new. I can see me having one of these after all the issues are worked out. Keep posting pics, the pics I have seen so far look great.

newmoon · 01/05/2009, 07:52 AM

Nice pictures guys. Seems like most of the "problems" are in the IN 100. Even then, I'm sure it isn't as bad as it looks and FAR from becoming something to be concerned about I would say.
My IN 180 will be here tomorrow and I can't wait to put it to the test.

mojo~ · 01/05/2009, 08:13 AM

I have had skimmers from $30 to $800 and I could find issues with all of them. I wouldnt say this isnt a issue but I think its something that should be pretty easy to take care of.

jpc763 · 01/05/2009, 01:47 PM

Well I just ordered an In250 for my soon to be AGA 125 with an AGA 75 sump. The PA deal was just too good to pass up. I looked all over the place and bang for buck this skimmer seems to be the best. I hope I am not dissapointed.

BTW, it will probably sit in the basement for a couple of weeks until I get my new tank.

Question: Did anyone ever figure out what pump is on the In250?

J

jpc763 · 01/05/2009, 08:17 PM

Man! I got this one under the wire. Just checked and the PA price has gone back up to $319.99! Great deal!

frenchie · 01/05/2009, 08:23 PM

good deal, welcome to the club.

01/04/2009, 10:49 AM	#577
mojo~ Skimmer Guy Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: IN Posts: 5,647	I would say it would be nice to here from vertex somewhere some how. even if the got there website up so people might be able to contact a customer service line or something. PA, MD, and the others selling this item have done a awesome job taking care of any issues you might have had. I hope they get this resolved though. Great bang for buck skimmer but would be nice if was the way it was suppose to be. __________________ Mojo~

01/04/2009, 11:02 AM	#578
oldreefer76 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Fairview Park Ohio Posts: 2,452	Going to Phishybusiness today to look at the vertex for my 58g Oceanic build, been trying to decide between the vertex and aquaeuorusa line have a lfs that carries the aqua also __________________ 15G and working on getting better Current Tank Info: 15G and building

01/04/2009, 11:07 AM	#580
patsfan1130 Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Woburn, Ma Posts: 2,010	I am looking for a new skimmer on my 90g w/ 20g sump and I like what I am reading on these skimmers. Unfortunately I do not have a lot of room in my sump. Looks like the IS-180 would be ideal but I dont think it will fit. Do you guys think the 100 will do the job? I am at a crossroads here. Get the 100 or make a larger compartment. I dont want to get an underpowered skimmer. TIA Mark __________________ My cat's breath smells like cat food Member of the Boston Reefers Society Current Tank Info: 75g lps, 90g sps, 120g mixed, 180 nem tank, 300g reef, 600g up & coming reef

01/04/2009, 11:24 AM	#581
mojo~ Skimmer Guy Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: IN Posts: 5,647	well to be quite honest if the room is small and you need a powerful skimmer you might want to look at the msx 160. run the pinwheel. Thats a small footprint skimmer and will be better for you than a in 100 for your water volume. The in 180 would work well too but if size is a concern you might want to go the other route. good luck Older reefer. The aquaeuro was basically a octo skimmer with a different pump from what I can remember. I believe the vertex in 100 will get you up with the times a little better as far as skimmers go. __________________ Mojo~

01/04/2009, 01:50 PM	#582
oldreefer76 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Fairview Park Ohio Posts: 2,452	Just came back from Phishybusiness a sponsor here on RC and looked at the Vertex in person and spoke with them about the IN100 and am sold on it, don't think I am going to find a better skimmer for the price, so will be joining the club in a couple of weeks __________________ 15G and working on getting better Current Tank Info: 15G and building

01/04/2009, 10:41 AM	#576
ernordstrom Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: JAX,FL Posts: 266	I agree the service is amazing to say the least. I was referring to the product manufacturer.

01/04/2009, 04:07 PM	#583
tangtang clown Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: The DUB, NC Posts: 2,711	Sounds good oldreefer, except for the number of peeps who have had ISSUES with the vertex skimmers. I would wait and let them figure the issues of their "first line" of skimmers and get something dependable. Unless you have a back up skimmer, you could get a vertex and when/if it breaks, you could put the back up in until your vendor sends you another whatever, just like 90% of the people on this thread have had to do. I would like to try one of these skimmers, but the only way I would do so is if I had a back up skimmer ready. Good luck, take pics when you get it. __________________ Mind over chatter.

01/04/2009, 04:22 PM	#584
frenchie Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 5,730	vertex doesn't have a big problem even guys at PA said it has only been a couple with a hazy skimmers cups and even just a small batch of bad impellars, in all for the price its a great skimmer. It would be different if we were spending 600 bucks but 100 to 200 bucks for skimmer that is performing awesome is not bad honestly if you put a different pump this skimmer more reliable better name this skimmer probally run about price of euroreef skimmer cause i think everyone will agree it is a solid well built skimmer. __________________ Darrick slash member 24 gallon nano cube, LED lights, zoanthids, shrooms Current Tank Info: 93 gallon cube, ecotech LED, swc 160 cone skimmer, lots of softies

01/04/2009, 04:25 PM	#585
frenchie Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 5,730	Honestly if i had the room i would have went with msx 200 but i am happy with decision i made cause my tank is showing the difference and i'm skimmed probally about double of what my modded octopus 150 did. Once work picks back up i'm gonna rebuild sump on my 75 gallon and get a cone skimmer next and set my euroreef on side for back up skimmer. __________________ Darrick slash member 24 gallon nano cube, LED lights, zoanthids, shrooms Current Tank Info: 93 gallon cube, ecotech LED, swc 160 cone skimmer, lots of softies

01/04/2009, 05:23 PM	#586
sandhillcrane Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Melbourne, FL Posts: 18	Just joined the club... I received my IN100 from PA the other day and finally got a chance to cram it into my 15 gal sump and fire it up yesterday. The cup has the weird crazing/scratches that others have noticed. That's not so bad but wow, that pump is pretty loud.... I took it apart today and the impeller spins freely but it feels like its not well balanced. Will have to see if I can get a replacement from PA. While I had it apart, I also pulled the inlet pipe out a little per the recommendation of d.french. Works a lot better.

01/04/2009, 06:21 PM	#587
Whyireef Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Washington DC Posts: 54	From my experience and observations in this thread, I have drawn a few pertinent considerations: 1. Some of the impellers/needle wheels have arrived not well balanced. Both MD and PA replace these, once identified, so call them! My replacement arrived promptly and is PERFECTLY symmetrical. Quiets the pump down, too. 2. Some of the collection cups have crazing. Both MD and PA replace these, once identified. 3. Some say the pump is loud. I suggest maybe these are issue number 1 above (perhaps). Call for a new impeller/needle wheel and the pump should quiet down. 4. Design is good (ala proven Euro Reef w/bubble plate) Very true - nothing wrong with the design whatsoever, it's solid. 5. Acrylic construction / quality is top notch Very true - other than a few crazed collection cups (MD/PA will both replace them). We've all seen pics here on RC of Bubble King crazed collection cups (on their mini's), so this issue shouldn't be exaggerated by anyone with a sound mind. 6. Output benefits from canting above waterline or drilled hole I drilled a whole in my output elbow; some have canted the output so it's half in/half out of the water. This mod does make a difference in the amount of bubbles, perhaps the efficiency of the motor increases, too. 7. Pump is rated rather high (watts) True. But now we know this pump was labeled before the needle wheel was taken into account, so with the needle wheel, the 40 watt pump jumps down to 28ish or thereabouts. Even with some of the unavoidable issues above, these issues are only on a few machines, and the vast majority of perfectly fine examples haven't been written about on this thread. That's just the nature of everything; folks talk about products with issues 20 times more than they talk about those same products without issues. I vote these Vertex skimmers are gems. If I didn't know any better, I would say some of the naysayers are projecting exaggerated negative views on these Vertex skimmers because they feel terrible for overpaying on other brands (perhaps, I could be wrong; maybe they'd complain about a miracle.....) Last edited by Whyireef; 01/04/2009 at 06:28 PM.

01/04/2009, 06:58 PM	#588
rackmsukr Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 39	If any of you are having issues with the pump being loud, I would check the ceramic shaft and make sure it is not wearing away. I have the IN 250. When I first fired it up it was very quiet, but after about 4 days it slowly got louder and louder. I investigated the impeller and shaft and noticed that the ceramic shaft was no longer perfectly round. I went ahead and reassembled the pump and continued to run the skimmer. I ran it for about 4 more days and then once again examined the ceramic shaft and noticed that it was getting even worse. At that point I contacted PA and they were happy to give me a new impeller and shaft. After I installed the new parts it once again is quiet as a mouse! I would guess that if you were going to have a defective shaft that it would be noticeable within the first week of use. It didn't take mine long to start wearing uneven and I bet if I didn't replace it, it would have eventually just snapped?

01/04/2009, 07:54 PM	#589
ernordstrom Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: JAX,FL Posts: 266	I am getting mine tommorrow...I am hoping as I open the box for a nice shiny collection cup...not a crazed one...I will post pics regardless.

01/04/2009, 08:07 PM	#590
Jen D Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Central IA Posts: 165	For the record, despite having the double wammy of the crazed collection cup and the sticking impeller, I would repeat the purchase. I think this is going to be great once I get it up and running properly. Whyireef: Thanks for the summary. I think it'll be really helpful to those with concerns about purchasing.

01/04/2009, 08:09 PM	#591
ecoreefer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pottstown, PA Posts: 100	I decided to bite the bullet and ordered this skimmer -even though I'm a few months from setting up. Just can't beat the price being offered currently. Ordered a 180. Thanks everyone for the feedback so far -keep the reviews and pics coming!

01/04/2009, 08:11 PM	#592
Jen D Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Central IA Posts: 165	PA said I was only the second to have a crazed cup out of around 300 sold, so it doesn't seem to be a big issue (less than 1%). It just happened that both purchasers had been previously involved in this thread to report their experience.

01/04/2009, 08:47 PM	#593
Crustman Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 941	Wow 300; they must have been moving them out of the store like double cheeseburgers at McDonalds! I am glad I got in on the Christmas sale and thanks Mojo and others for steering me to the Vertex. __________________ Tom Current Tank Info: 65 gallon reef with 8 T-5's, ATI Blue Plus, Blue Special, KZ Fiji Purple, Vertex IN 100, phosphate and carbon reactor Coralife Turbo Sea Pump

01/04/2009, 11:00 PM	#594
JACOXVIII Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: KC MO Posts: 248	i get mine the in-250 tommorrow

01/05/2009, 07:16 AM	#595
tangtang clown Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: The DUB, NC Posts: 2,711	Nice write up WHYIREEF. I just feel bad for the people who had to send parts back after the excitement of getting something new. I can see me having one of these after all the issues are worked out. Keep posting pics, the pics I have seen so far look great. __________________ Mind over chatter.

01/05/2009, 07:52 AM	#596
newmoon Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: N. Miami Beach Posts: 1,622	Nice pictures guys. Seems like most of the "problems" are in the IN 100. Even then, I'm sure it isn't as bad as it looks and FAR from becoming something to be concerned about I would say. My IN 180 will be here tomorrow and I can't wait to put it to the test. __________________ "But you have heard of me."

01/05/2009, 08:13 AM	#597
mojo~ Skimmer Guy Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: IN Posts: 5,647	I have had skimmers from $30 to $800 and I could find issues with all of them. I wouldnt say this isnt a issue but I think its something that should be pretty easy to take care of. __________________ Mojo~

01/05/2009, 01:47 PM	#598
jpc763 Nothing to see Move along Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 800	Well I just ordered an In250 for my soon to be AGA 125 with an AGA 75 sump. The PA deal was just too good to pass up. I looked all over the place and bang for buck this skimmer seems to be the best. I hope I am not dissapointed. BTW, it will probably sit in the basement for a couple of weeks until I get my new tank. Question: Did anyone ever figure out what pump is on the In250? J

01/05/2009, 08:17 PM	#599
jpc763 Nothing to see Move along Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 800	Man! I got this one under the wire. Just checked and the PA price has gone back up to $319.99! Great deal!

01/05/2009, 08:23 PM	#600
frenchie Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 5,730	good deal, welcome to the club. __________________ Darrick slash member 24 gallon nano cube, LED lights, zoanthids, shrooms Current Tank Info: 93 gallon cube, ecotech LED, swc 160 cone skimmer, lots of softies