how do I know if my pump impeller is bad

mrtian97 · Aug 19, 2017

pump for my Vertex omega 150 skimmer, it stopped working. after cleaning, the pump hummed, the impeller vibrates but not rotating. from the look, the impeller looks fine, no broken or scratch up pieces.

Thanks for your help

Diesel · Aug 19, 2017

The ceramic shaft might be broken.
Best thing you can do is if you can find a new impeller for that pump.
But mean while your out for the skimmer.

bif24701 · Aug 19, 2017

mrtian97 said:
pump for my Vertex omega 150 skimmer, it stopped working. after cleaning, the pump hummed, the impeller vibrates but not rotating. from the look, the impeller looks fine, no broken or scratch up pieces.

Thanks for your help

Could just be something wedged in the bearings or Calcium deposits. Disassemble again, soak parts in 1:1 RODI/white vinegar. Brush off the bearings and shaft. While assembling ensure impeller spins freely. Do all this and still doesn't work contact the manufacture for help or buy new pump.

mrtian97 · Aug 19, 2017

thanks, will try tonight. it was working fine until this morning when I unplugged for water change. has been working fine for 2 yrs. When I cleaned earlier, there were not much crud in it

miPapareef · Aug 20, 2017

I have the same skimmer and had the same problem. Pretty sure the issue is getting the bearing completely installed and aligned. I noticed with my pump slightly loosened it would run but when I tighten the pump volute all the way down it would stop. This indicates mine was an axial spacing problem. Took me 3 times taking it apart looking for contaminate and reinstalling before it started and ran reliably. It's run six months reliably once it was reinstalled correctly.

Good luck. I'm pretty sure I'll get it going again.

mrtian97 · Aug 20, 2017

@miPapareef: that's exactly the same issue that I am having, before putting the volute on, the impeller seems to rotate, but after volute on, it's just hummed

mrtian97 · Aug 24, 2017

just fyi, Vertex cusr svc is top notch, thanks to this forum, I contacted Adam at Vertex via email, we exchanged emails several times to diagnose the issue, turns out I just need a new bearing sets. Cost only $12 plus shipping, received today, installed and pump runs like new.

Once again, Reef 2 Reef forum rocks

Daniel Waters · Apr 14, 2020

Old thread, but I'm adding information as I know several people are searching for impeller replacements for the Vertex Omega 150 (since Vertex is out of business).

I was told from a Sicce USA representative that the Sicce PSK 1000 impeller would work as a replacement impeller for the Vertex Omega 150 skimmer. I purchased the part today and can confirm it fits but have not had a chance to run the pump yet. Note, the PSK 1000 design regarding the wheel part is different than the original impeller but that is basically just a way to break up air into small bubbles (and I suspect the newer design my be better than the older impeller design in that regards).

Update: I can confirm the replacement works. If anyone has the vertex omega 130, there is sicce replacement also (psk 600)

Zhark17 · Oct 1, 2020

Anyone knows if the sicce psk1000 pump works well for the vertex omega 150?? Mine just broke

Thanks!

Daniel Waters · Oct 1, 2020

I think the original pump is just a modified SK400 or SK600. I know of at least one person who used the SK400 as a replacement pump (@Maximitsurugi if he wants to chime in). A PSK 1000 pump may be too powerful. See link below. Note, the part on the page that says,

"SYNCRA SK200 - 400 - 600

These pumps are supplied on demand direct to skimmer manufacturers, after testing by Sicce for suitability."

Syncra SK - SKIMMERS & PROTEIN SKIMMER PUMPS - Products

www.sicce.com

Zhark17 · Oct 1, 2020

Daniel Waters said:
I think the original pump is just a modified SK400 or SK600. I know of at least one person who used the SK400 as a replacement pump (@Maximitsurugi if he wants to chime in). A PSK 1000 pump may be too powerful. See link below. Note, the part on the page that says,

"SYNCRA SK200 - 400 - 600

These pumps are supplied on demand direct to skimmer manufacturers, after testing by Sicce for suitability."

Syncra SK - SKIMMERS & PROTEIN SKIMMER PUMPS - Products

www.sicce.com

Ok, I see, now, the thing is that the vertex 150 is a 900 l/h, while a sk 600 is a 600l/h. Getting crazy with this

Zhark17 · Oct 3, 2020

Its been impossible to find the sk400 (from spain)...
Any Ideas?

Cheers!

Daniel Waters · Oct 3, 2020

Zhark17 said:
Its been impossible to find the sk400 (from spain)...
Any Ideas?

Cheers!

On the sicce website link I sent you, there are links at the very bottom and one is "where to buy" this will take you to the various distributors and online places for various countries.