Skimmer pump leaking electricity!

[dangros]

My 3 year old Vertex Omega 150 pump appears to be leaking electricity into the tank (about 33 Volts). I noticed when I was shocked while changing out some tubes. Is there a way to replace the pump to a quieter pump or will I have to buy a new skimmer?

 

[GoVols]

My 3 year old Vertex Omega 150 pump appears to be leaking electricity into the tank (about 33 Volts). I noticed when I was shocked while changing out some tubes. Is there a way to replace the pump to a quieter pump or will I have to buy a new skimmer?

Here are some links

Pump replacement for Vertex Omega 150

Folks, any suggestion of which pump to replace with? My skimmer Vertex omega 150, only 2 yrs old and the pump went out, I think it shorted in the inside (it tripped my electrical plug every time I plug it in). Thanks

www.reef2reef.com

where to find vertex skimmer replacement parts?

Good morning all and Happy new year! i'm having a little trouble finding replacement parts for my vertex 180i skimmer. i have searched the web, LFS,BRS,Marinedepot, also tried going through vertex itself and can't seem to find replacement parts for it, just finding brand new skimmers which i'm...

www.reef2reef.com

I'd contact Vertex for an replacement, or buy a new skimmer.

 

[dangros]

Thanks @GoVols. That’s what I was hoping for... new quieter skimmer. Now the question: Which one!?

 

[GoVols]

Now the question: Which one!?

 

[W1ngz]

A quick google seems to show me that the pump is just a sicce SK400 pump, used by a few skimmer makers. You can find them on amazon and other places. The plates and impeller might be different, but they should be easily swapped onto a new pump.

 

[dangros]

A quick google seems to show me that the pump is just a sicce SK400 pump, used by a few skimmer makers. You can find them on amazon and other places. The plates and impeller might be different, but they should be easily swapped onto a new pump.

I don’t care for the pump and do not want another one. It’s too loud for MY taste. Want something silent so if I can’t replace it with a different one, then the search for a silent skimmer is on.

 

[GoVols]

I don’t care for the pump and do not want another one. It’s too loud for MY taste. Want something silent so if I can’t replace it with a different one, then the search for a silent skimmer is on.

I would shoot Adam @Battlecorals an PM to size up an Deltec for your needs.

JMO

 

[Dom]

Thanks @GoVols. That’s what I was hoping for... new quieter skimmer. Now the question: Which one!?

I've always been a fan of ReefOctopus. What size is your tank?

Search Results Template - Bulk Reef Supply

aquarium.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[dangros]

I have a fully stocked mixed reef, 90g with a 40g sump/refugium. Breeding clows, anemone, several tangs, SPS, zoos, misc other stuff.

 

[Dom]

I have a fully stocked mixed reef, 90g with a 40g sump/refugium. Breeding clows, anemone, several tangs, SPS, zoos, misc other stuff.

I was going to suggest the Reef Octopus 110 space saver, but it is only rated for tanks up to 100 gallons. You may want to consider its big brother, the Red Octopus 150, which is rated up to 160 gallons in a lite-moderately stocked tank.

 

[Idoc]

You should install a simple grounding probe... about $12... and protects you and your livestock from electrocution.

I had 2 pumps go bad and leak voltage into my tank... never again!

 

[Dom]

You should install a simple grounding probe... about $12... and protects you and your livestock from electrocution.

I had 2 pumps go bad and leak voltage into my tank... never again!

I have one... "need" it or not.

 

[Randyp79]

Get a new skimmer, Aquamaxx are best skimmers for the money IMO.

 

[dangros]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Here's an interesting update. So I THOUGHT it was the skimmer pump that was causing the voltage readings in my tank. As usual, the answer is a little more complex. The voltage reading in my tank is normal and at least mostly due to induction, not necessarily an electrical leak or short. I can not confirm this 100% b/c this all started with me feeling a zap which I have not been able to replicate since the 1 and only time it happened when changing out my DoS water line (in the basement, below the the tank which is in the main floor of the house).

Here's a wonderful post where @Wiz had a similar issue and @Brew12 answered beautifully.

Stray voltage, and acceptable levels

Okay so long story short I am having issues with some of my coral. A lot of it is fine but some are not. Stray voltage was brought up as a possible cause. I checked with a multimeter and got a reading of 44 at the highest. Which I'm told is not good. I unplug each thing that sits in the water...

www.reef2reef.com

Many thanks to @Brew12 and those who answer so completely and are a value to all of us in this wonderful hobby.

As for the skimmer, I will hold off until I can justify it but I really do want to get a slightly beefier and quieter skimmer than my Vertex Omega 150. I really do want to find out what that skimmer is.

If I find the source of my zap, I will update this thread.

 

[dangros]

I have one... "need" it or not.

Agreed and using mine now. Didnt realize I could simply plug it into one my apex outlets

 

[GoVols]

Brew12 answered beautifully.

You found the right guy.

 

[Brew12]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Here's an interesting update. So I THOUGHT it was the skimmer pump that was causing the voltage readings in my tank. As usual, the answer is a little more complex. The voltage reading in my tank is normal and at least mostly due to induction, not necessarily an electrical leak or short. I can not confirm this 100% b/c this all started with me feeling a zap which I have not been able to replicate since the 1 and only time it happened when changing out my DoS water line (in the basement, below the the tank which is in the main floor of the house).

Here's a wonderful post where @Wiz had a similar issue and @Brew12 answered beautifully.

Stray voltage, and acceptable levels

Okay so long story short I am having issues with some of my coral. A lot of it is fine but some are not. Stray voltage was brought up as a possible cause. I checked with a multimeter and got a reading of 44 at the highest. Which I'm told is not good. I unplug each thing that sits in the water...

www.reef2reef.com

Many thanks to @Brew12 and those who answer so completely and are a value to all of us in this wonderful hobby.

As for the skimmer, I will hold off until I can justify it but I really do want to get a slightly beefier and quieter skimmer than my Vertex Omega 150. I really do want to find out what that skimmer is.

If I find the source of my zap, I will update this thread.

Glad you found that useful! You did some digging to find that old post!

 

[Dom]

Agreed and using mine now. Didnt realize I could simply plug it into one my apex outlets

Really? Interesting....

I've always avoided plugging into power strips and go directly to the wall. Always thought it HAD to go to the wall.

 

[Brew12]

Really? Interesting....

I've always avoided plugging into power strips and go directly to the wall. Always thought it HAD to go to the wall.

You can plug it into your neighbors house and it would work just fine. It just needs any path to ground which should be supplied by any good power strip.