Vertex Alpha 170 Microbubbles

nl359 · 04/19/2010, 02:06 PM

Hi all,

I just set up a vertex alpha cone 170 skimmer. It's been in the sump now for about 5 days. It's in a 120gal DT with a 40gal sump. Its sitting in 9 in of water with the screw out 2 turns.

I have a problem with microbubbles coming out of the skimmer output. I have tried multiple settings with the venturi screw. Nothing will stop the bubbles(all the way unscrewed versus screwed all the way in or anything in between).

It's skimming great with my only complaint being the bubbles. My question is - Does the skimmer need more time to break in (ie let a slim coat build up on the inside) before the bubbles will stop? If not what can I do to fix my problem? Thanks for the help.

thelostrican · 04/20/2010, 12:28 AM

they should stop over time....

nl359 · 04/20/2010, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thelostrican

they should stop over time....

Ok hopefully you are right. Thanks

ptr13 · 03/27/2011, 07:22 AM

yeah,it needs time to break in,my skimmer does that from time to time but they are great skimmers,have the IN280,the mother of them all. dont mess around with venturi screw,there is the valve thing our of the pvc pipe which opens and close,try to play with that,it turns to open or close,may minimize it.

Percula9 · 03/27/2011, 11:01 PM

You can run the skimmer's return into a filter sock. This will eliminate the bubbles.

04/19/2010, 02:06 PM	#1
nl359 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 16	Vertex Alpha 170 Microbubbles Hi all, I just set up a vertex alpha cone 170 skimmer. It's been in the sump now for about 5 days. It's in a 120gal DT with a 40gal sump. Its sitting in 9 in of water with the screw out 2 turns. I have a problem with microbubbles coming out of the skimmer output. I have tried multiple settings with the venturi screw. Nothing will stop the bubbles(all the way unscrewed versus screwed all the way in or anything in between). It's skimming great with my only complaint being the bubbles. My question is - Does the skimmer need more time to break in (ie let a slim coat build up on the inside) before the bubbles will stop? If not what can I do to fix my problem? Thanks for the help.

04/20/2010, 12:28 AM	#2
thelostrican I hate to post Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Borinquen Posts: 222	they should stop over time.... __________________ Upgrading!!! 120 to 180.... Current Tank Info: 120 long tank...that looks like an investment bank....

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03/27/2011, 07:22 AM	#4
ptr13 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: bolingbrook Posts: 2,276	yeah,it needs time to break in,my skimmer does that from time to time but they are great skimmers,have the IN280,the mother of them all. dont mess around with venturi screw,there is the valve thing our of the pvc pipe which opens and close,try to play with that,it turns to open or close,may minimize it.

03/27/2011, 11:01 PM	#5
Percula9 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Orange County CA Posts: 3,819	You can run the skimmer's return into a filter sock. This will eliminate the bubbles.