Vertex Skimmer club - Page 32

JACOXVIII · 01/17/2009, 11:25 PM

we should make a list of the # of pump problems from people that have done the run time in a vinegar bath

axia55 · 01/18/2009, 03:57 PM

I am thinking about ordering the In-80 for a 50g (display and sump) system since PA still have it onsale for $134. Should I wait and get the In-100 or will the 80 cover my system?

jck9 · 01/18/2009, 05:21 PM

axia55- i would get the in-100. gives you a little breathing room. plus it is better to get a skimmer rated 2x your volume

gorey · 01/18/2009, 07:32 PM

Ya know whats weird about my vertex is when i clean it out then plug it back in after my water level goes up. Is this weird?

ernordstrom · 01/18/2009, 07:52 PM

I have no idea what you are asking...you mean when you clean the collection cup then plug it back the water level rises in your skimmer? Unless you fiddle with the riser tube or block the airline it shouldn't rise. At least I don't remember it rising. I haven't really adjusted mine since I found the sweet spot and other than the needlewheel shaft wearing down it has been pretty consitent with taking out the nastiness.

Quote:

Originally posted by gorey
Ya know whats weird about my vertex is when i clean it out then plug it back in after my water level goes up. Is this weird?

ernordstrom · 01/18/2009, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jck9
axia55- i would get the in-100. gives you a little breathing room. plus it is better to get a skimmer rated 2x your volume

I agree. I have the IN100 in my 55g. I have a lot of live rock (80 lbs) and a 20g sump so I probably just have about 50 or so gallons of water. My water has never been cleaner, not even after I run carbon. I did a water change today and the "dirty " water was sparkling,. I could hardly tell which was the makeup water and which was the dirty water. I was floored. I haven't been running carbon or anything for over a week too and I have been feeding alot more.

axia55 · 01/18/2009, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ernordstrom
I agree. I have the IN100 in my 55g. I have a lot of live rock (80 lbs) and a 20g sump so I probably just have about 50 or so gallons of water. My water has never been cleaner, not even after I run carbon. I did a water change today and the "dirty " water was sparkling,. I could hardly tell which was the makeup water and which was the dirty water. I was floored. I haven't been running carbon or anything for over a week too and I have been feeding alot more.

Thanks for the advice all...I think I will wait and get my sump going and see if I have enough room for the IN-100.

ecoreefer · 01/18/2009, 08:37 PM

Interesting find today...I was putting the final coat of poly on my DIY stand, and once I cleaned everything up I walked by my sump that I've been running my IN180 in to test the pump. What I found was quite interesting. In the bottom of the sump was a pretty good sized collection of metallic shavings. (pardon the carpeting underneath in the photo -I just have it on the ground for now)

The skimmer pump still has not shown any signs of failing -dead silent and producing a ton of bubbles. Upon seeing this I rinsed the pump out real well again to be safe. Re-fired and still working great. Just thought I would share this with the group, as I found this interesting. I must have rinsed the pump for a good 5-10 minutes before initial install

jck9 · 01/18/2009, 08:41 PM

gorey- get a kilawatt or an air meter and check to see if the readings change when you unplug and plug back in. it could be the impeller spinning in the other direction. my sicce pump on my octo 200 would pull about 6 scfh more spinning one way other than the other.
john

jck9 · 01/18/2009, 08:45 PM

ecoreefer-it looks like it could be chunks of the magnet. nothing else metalic that would gring off that i could think of

ernordstrom · 01/18/2009, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jck9
ecoreefer-it looks like it could be chunks of the magnet. nothing else metalic that would gring off that i could think of

that can't be good. From what the Premium Aqutics guys were saying the cause of the ceramic shaft failures on the impellers were due "shavings" from the magnet that were left over during the manufacturing process and collected between the shaft and magnet causing them to score the shaft and seize up.

ecoreefer · 01/19/2009, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ernordstrom
that can't be good. From what the Premium Aqutics guys were saying the cause of the ceramic shaft failures on the impellers were due "shavings" from the magnet that were left over during the manufacturing process and collected between the shaft and magnet causing them to score the shaft and seize up.

Well I'm hoping its the opposite and a good thing. Since the shavings have exited the motor/impeller assembly, hopefully there isn't anymore to cause an issue with the shaft. Only time will tell, but I have not had one single pump failure issue as of yet.

ernordstrom · 01/19/2009, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ecoreefer
Well I'm hoping its the opposite and a good thing. Since the shavings have exited the motor/impeller assembly, hopefully there isn't anymore to cause an issue with the shaft. Only time will tell, but I have not had one single pump failure issue as of yet.

This is what Jeremy from Premium Aquatics posted in case you missed it.

Guys, just an update as far as the small issues go.....

Hazed Collection Cups - This has been the IN100 only so far, and I think we've had a total of four or five. It seems to be pretty isolated.

Impeller Issues - This has affected all pumps, although really not a lot in ratio to how many that have been sold. The first batch of skimmers that were sent to the US did not have the impellers rinsed well enough after some sanding on the magnet itself. This caused the left over dust to find it's way inside of the impeller where the shaft slips through. This in turn has hardened on some people, causing the impeller to spin off balance, lock up, or wear the shaft down. For good measure, I would recommend rinsing the impeller off inside and out, with the shaft out of it before use just to be on the safe side. All of the new impellers that are being shipped as replacements, or the second batch of skimmers have already been rinsed over well at the factory.

Parts Missing - Again, this has been very minimal, and I believe they've worked out the bugs on the second batch that come to the US. If you do receive anything missing please contact the point of purchase for replacement.

jimbo1 · 01/19/2009, 09:48 AM

hey guys, interesting read so far.

two questions:

1. anyone using the skimmer with a different pump and which one - which altrenatives pump can be used?
2. any air meter numbers or photos??

coogarts · 01/19/2009, 01:40 PM

Hey guys, my In100 just came in and I have a few questions.

First, I took out the impeller and cleaned out - hopefully - all the shavings inside of the shaft. But, I noticed a very, very tiny imperfection at the bottom of the magnet. Is this going to contribute to the pump problems some of you have had?

Also, since I'm now putting my sump together, should I cut my baffles for 7" to optimize performance on this bad boy?

ecoreefer · 01/19/2009, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by coogarts
Hey guys, my In100 just came in and I have a few questions.

First, I took out the impeller and cleaned out - hopefully - all the shavings inside of the shaft. But, I noticed a very, very tiny imperfection at the bottom of the magnet. Is this going to contribute to the pump problems some of you have had?

Also, since I'm now putting my sump together, should I cut my baffles for 7" to optimize performance on this bad boy?

Welcome to the club! Would you be able to post a pic of the magnet to see what you're talking about?

If you want higher baffles you can make them higher, then adjust the skimmer accordingly with a stand of some sorts. That's what I'm going to do so I can maximize the water volume in my sump.

EvMiBo · 01/19/2009, 03:34 PM

I just made my sump last week. I planned on making the baffles 9" but then decided to just make them 7" so I could just sit it in there and go.

spoofer · 01/20/2009, 10:25 AM

uhmmm....i've noticed my IN-100 seems to be considerably louder this morning...I crossed my fingers and left for work i'll keep you posted, but i think i may look for a new pump if this thing takes a crap- the rest of the skimmer is a real nice build!

gioNVA · 01/21/2009, 06:50 PM

I turned on my IN100 for the first time this morning. Went home for lunch and the pump isn't working. I am going to be getting rid of this or somehow return it. I cannot have a tank full of expensive corals rely on this for filtration.

Reefer1599 · 01/21/2009, 07:14 PM

Just got my in 250 a couple days ago and it is a great product! Just removed my 2nd full cup of "tea" and I'm skimming fairly dry.

EvMiBo · 01/21/2009, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gioNVA
I turned on my IN100 for the first time this morning. Went home for lunch and the pump isn't working. I am going to be getting rid of this or somehow return it. I cannot have a tank full of expensive corals rely on this for filtration.

who'd you get it from? MD and PA have replaced pumps free of charge; I wouldn't give up quite yet.

(keep in mind the in100 pump had a lot of issues at first and the second generation/replacement pumps have been good).

frenchie · 01/21/2009, 08:17 PM

wonder what the deal is with the insump 100 models. Have them send you a new one and get that pinwheel of the old one so you can use it for meshmod on the pinwheel part of impellar.

frenchie · 01/21/2009, 08:19 PM

wonder who sold bad batch premium aquatics or marine depot or both, my 180 is kicking butt and still nice and quiet. And only ate one of my fish so far.

ecoreefer · 01/21/2009, 08:21 PM

UPDATE - since I posted a pic of the shavings from the magnet, I gave the pump another quick rinse. I've since "seeded" my sump with a little skimmate from a buddies tank (I'm not running this on an actual tank yet, simply running the pump in my sump to test it out. The pump remains dead silent, and since I put a little skimmate in the skimmer is building a very nice, stable foam head. I remain completely satisfied with this skimmer and look forward to using it on my 90. I truly believe once Vertex gets the pump/impeller issue resolved and the second batch arrive in the States people will not be experiencing these issues.

ecoreefer · 01/21/2009, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by d.french
wonder who sold bad batch premium aquatics or marine depot or both, my 180 is kicking butt and still nice and quiet. And only ate one of my fish so far.

I think its been both so far, and it appears to be primarily the IN 100 pump. I haven't seen or heard many other models having problems.

01/18/2009, 07:32 PM	#779
gorey Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 292	Ya know whats weird about my vertex is when i clean it out then plug it back in after my water level goes up. Is this weird? __________________ There is fine line between a hobby and an obsession Current Tank Info: 75g AGA 30g/ sump vertex 100 skimmer. Yellow tang, 2 clowns, cardnial, royal gamma, six line

01/19/2009, 03:34 PM	#792
EvMiBo VictoriaConcordiaCrescit Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ft. Myers, FL Posts: 1,929	I just made my sump last week. I planned on making the baffles 9" but then decided to just make them 7" so I could just sit it in there and go. __________________ Evan \| DSA 135g Peninsula

01/20/2009, 10:25 AM	#793
spoofer Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Uptown-Chicago, IL Posts: 654	uhmmm....i've noticed my IN-100 seems to be considerably louder this morning...I crossed my fingers and left for work i'll keep you posted, but i think i may look for a new pump if this thing takes a crap- the rest of the skimmer is a real nice build! __________________ "Nothing good ever happened fast in a Reef Aquarium- there is no quick fix's to Reef tanks!" Current Tank Info: 120g Tech Tank, Vortech MP40, Apex, ATI 8x54, Vertex IN-180, Mag 9.5, Phos & Carb Reactors, Kalk Drip via reefdosingpumps.com sentry model, 40 gallon Breeder DYI Sump

01/21/2009, 08:17 PM	#797
frenchie Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 5,730	wonder what the deal is with the insump 100 models. Have them send you a new one and get that pinwheel of the old one so you can use it for meshmod on the pinwheel part of impellar. __________________ 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

01/21/2009, 08:19 PM	#798
frenchie Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 5,730	wonder who sold bad batch premium aquatics or marine depot or both, my 180 is kicking butt and still nice and quiet. And only ate one of my fish so far. __________________ 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

01/17/2009, 11:25 PM	#776
JACOXVIII Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: KC MO Posts: 248	we should make a list of the # of pump problems from people that have done the run time in a vinegar bath

01/18/2009, 03:57 PM	#777
axia55 Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: North Canton, OH Posts: 993	I am thinking about ordering the In-80 for a 50g (display and sump) system since PA still have it onsale for $134. Should I wait and get the In-100 or will the 80 cover my system?

01/18/2009, 05:21 PM	#778
jck9 Moved On Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: pataskala, oh Posts: 589	axia55- i would get the in-100. gives you a little breathing room. plus it is better to get a skimmer rated 2x your volume

01/18/2009, 08:37 PM	#783
ecoreefer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pottstown, PA Posts: 100	Interesting find today...I was putting the final coat of poly on my DIY stand, and once I cleaned everything up I walked by my sump that I've been running my IN180 in to test the pump. What I found was quite interesting. In the bottom of the sump was a pretty good sized collection of metallic shavings. (pardon the carpeting underneath in the photo -I just have it on the ground for now) The skimmer pump still has not shown any signs of failing -dead silent and producing a ton of bubbles. Upon seeing this I rinsed the pump out real well again to be safe. Re-fired and still working great. Just thought I would share this with the group, as I found this interesting. I must have rinsed the pump for a good 5-10 minutes before initial install

01/18/2009, 08:41 PM	#784
jck9 Moved On Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: pataskala, oh Posts: 589	gorey- get a kilawatt or an air meter and check to see if the readings change when you unplug and plug back in. it could be the impeller spinning in the other direction. my sicce pump on my octo 200 would pull about 6 scfh more spinning one way other than the other. john

01/18/2009, 08:45 PM	#785
jck9 Moved On Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: pataskala, oh Posts: 589	ecoreefer-it looks like it could be chunks of the magnet. nothing else metalic that would gring off that i could think of

01/19/2009, 09:48 AM	#789
jimbo1 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 31	hey guys, interesting read so far. two questions: 1. anyone using the skimmer with a different pump and which one - which altrenatives pump can be used? 2. any air meter numbers or photos??

01/19/2009, 01:40 PM	#790
coogarts Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 192	Hey guys, my In100 just came in and I have a few questions. First, I took out the impeller and cleaned out - hopefully - all the shavings inside of the shaft. But, I noticed a very, very tiny imperfection at the bottom of the magnet. Is this going to contribute to the pump problems some of you have had? Also, since I'm now putting my sump together, should I cut my baffles for 7" to optimize performance on this bad boy?

01/21/2009, 06:50 PM	#794
gioNVA Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Northern VA Posts: 244	I turned on my IN100 for the first time this morning. Went home for lunch and the pump isn't working. I am going to be getting rid of this or somehow return it. I cannot have a tank full of expensive corals rely on this for filtration.

01/21/2009, 07:14 PM	#795
Reefer1599 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 8	Just got my in 250 a couple days ago and it is a great product! Just removed my 2nd full cup of "tea" and I'm skimming fairly dry.

01/21/2009, 08:21 PM	#799
ecoreefer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pottstown, PA Posts: 100	UPDATE - since I posted a pic of the shavings from the magnet, I gave the pump another quick rinse. I've since "seeded" my sump with a little skimmate from a buddies tank (I'm not running this on an actual tank yet, simply running the pump in my sump to test it out. The pump remains dead silent, and since I put a little skimmate in the skimmer is building a very nice, stable foam head. I remain completely satisfied with this skimmer and look forward to using it on my 90. I truly believe once Vertex gets the pump/impeller issue resolved and the second batch arrive in the States people will not be experiencing these issues.