Noobie skimmer problems.

[markysgirl]

Hello community!
You all have been so helpful in setting up my new tank. Thank you!


The skimmer is giving me a TON of trouble and I was hoping you could help me.
I have a Vertex Omega 130.
My skimmer is just constantly overflowing.
I plugged it in and got it running last week and the manufacturer recommended running it without the collection cup for 24 hours, which I did.
Now, as there is zero information I can find on how to troubleshoot the skimmer or even how to adjust it, I have no idea how to make it work properly.
I was really hoping some folks here can help me.
I've included a video and here's more info about my setup.
75g DT
Trigger systems Crystal 30 sump
Tank has just made it through it's initial cycle.
It has 80 pounds of Caribsea life rock and 80 pounds live sand.

 

[Dw79]

BRS has a bunch of videos on youtube for setting up skimmers. Hopefully this link works, not sure if I did it correctly

 

[Billldg]

I don't think their is anything wrong with your skimmer. IME, I have found that Vertex skimmers seem to take a while to break in. I actually bought a used Omega 180i and like you, when I set it up all it wanted to do was overflow. I actually unplugged it and just let it sit in my sump for like a month as I was going to buy another one. Then I decided to plug it in and it worked perfectly, go figure. I believe they require a little more time than 24 hours to break in. First things, how high is the water level you have it in. As stated above, BRS has a lot of info on water level. I have found that my vertex 180i seem to run best at 7.5 inches.

 

[Bryknicks]

Is this a brand new skimmer? If it is I would run it in a bucket for an hour with vinegar and fresh water to remove any contaminants from manufacturing. After this it should run much better so long as you have it at the proper depth as recommended by the manufacturer.

Most skimmers are recommended to be at a depth of approximately 7-9", but make sure you confirm what your skimmer is supposed to be at. I generally find that my skimmers run better slightly under the manufacturers recommendations, food for thought.

Once you have it set at the right height, you will need to adjust the turn dial to "dial" in the skimmer so that the bubbles are at the lower end of the collection cup neck. Hopefully this makes sense for you.

 

[italquam]

Definitely needs more break in time , especially with a new tank ,you are still building your bio load. Also I know some skimmers can act whacky if you have your hands in the tank a lot or anything changes like filter socks and such

 

[theMeat]

Great skimmer
The big problem with Understanding this skimmer is the adjustable air at venturi. IMO Pull it all the way out to allow most air, Then adjust height with output valve. Will take a week or three break in and become steady.

 

[markysgirl]

BRS has a bunch of videos on youtube for setting up skimmers. Hopefully this link works, not sure if I did it correctly

I have watched those numerous times and will definitely watch them again. Thank you for posting. I still feel like I am missing something though.

 

[markysgirl]

I don't think their is anything wrong with your skimmer. IME, I have found that Vertex skimmers seem to take a while to break in. I actually bought a used Omega 180i and like you, when I set it up all it wanted to do was overflow. I actually unplugged it and just let it sit in my sump for like a month as I was going to buy another one. Then I decided to plug it in and it worked perfectly, go figure. I believe they require a little more time than 24 hours to break in. First things, how high is the water level you have it in. As stated above, BRS has a lot of info on water level. I have found that my vertex 180i seem to run best at 7.5 inches.

I have the skimmer in 9 inches of water. I have a Trigger Crystal 30 sump and it is fixed at 9 inches. Vertex recommend this skimmer sit in 7-9.5 inches of water so hypothetically it should work at the 9 inches I have it in?

 

[markysgirl]

Definitely needs more break in time , especially with a new tank ,you are still building your bio load. Also I know some skimmers can act whacky if you have your hands in the tank a lot or anything changes like filter socks and such

I have almost zero bioload right now. The tank has only had water in it since January 12th.
So far I have chaeto in the sump plus some pods and I am adding phytoplankton to it once a day.

 

[markysgirl]

Thank you all for your replies! As of this second my plan is to continue to run the skimmer as it is overflowing until there is an actual bioload in the tank and go from there.
If any of you have a Vertex Omega and can tell me or steer me to very specific instructions on how to tune this skimmer, that would be an amazing help for me. So far I have identified 3 places where I can adjust things but I still can't see what turning those three things is supposed to do.
I hope this makes sense.

 

[Billldg]

I have the skimmer in 9 inches of water. I have a Trigger Crystal 30 sump and it is fixed at 9 inches. Vertex recommend this skimmer sit in 7-9.5 inches of water so hypothetically it should work at the 9 inches I have it in?

I would lower the water level to 8 inches, I had mine in 7.5 inches, usually it’s best to split the diff, so 8 inches would be a good start.

If you have no bio load yet then I would not even run it yet.

 

[NS Mike D]

I have the skimmer in 9 inches of water. I have a Trigger Crystal 30 sump and it is fixed at 9 inches. Vertex recommend this skimmer sit in 7-9.5 inches of water so hypothetically it should work at the 9 inches I have it in?

you can put something under it as raise to 7" for the time being. Lower it as needed once it breaks in . ...

and this:

I would lower the water level to 8 inches, I had mine in 7.5 inches, usually it’s best to split the diff, so 8 inches would be a good start.

If you have no bio load yet then I would not even run it yet.

it's common to add equipment because everyone else does it without really knowing if you need it.

What are your NO3 and PO4 levels?

There are lots of posts that have members off their skimmers for several hours a day to battle nuisance algae/bacteria problems that resulted from too low nutrients


Keep an eye on you cheato. They will let you know if there isn't enough nutrients .

 

[theMeat]

W

Thank you all for your replies! As of this second my plan is to continue to run the skimmer as it is overflowing until there is an actual bioload in the tank and go from there.
If any of you have a Vertex Omega and can tell me or steer me to very specific instructions on how to tune this skimmer, that would be an amazing help for me. So far I have identified 3 places where I can adjust things but I still can't see what turning those three things is supposed to do.
I hope this makes sense.

What are the “3” adjustments?
Air intake and water output is 2

Most skimmers only have one adjustment. Water output

 

[markysgirl]

W

What are the “3” adjustments?
Air intake and water output is 2

Most skimmers only have one adjustment. Water output

1. The red pipe that I think allows water in.
2. The collar on the front of the pump Venturi.
3. The small white collar on the front of the intake for the pump.

 

[theMeat]

1. The red pipe that I think allows water in.
2. The collar on the front of the pump Venturi.
3. The small white collar on the front of the intake for the pump.

Pretty sure on that skimmer the tall pipe controls water level inside skimmer/output and that’s it.

 

[theMeat]

Pretty sure on that skimmer the tall pipe controls water level inside skimmer/output and that’s it.

Sorry, got this mixed up with another skimmer thread:
Omega has air adjustment at venturi. Turned out all the way is most air. More air = lower water level. This may sound backwards but it is the way it works.
Would recommend making sure skimmer is in proper water level. Open up air all the way, and adjust water output valve to get it to desired height.