Tuning Vertex Omega 150 Protein Skimmer

rboutin111 · Mar 9, 2015

I need help tuning my Vertex Omega 150 Protein Skimmer. As my tank was cycling I spent hours adjusting it to get it so it wouldn't over flow. It was working fine until I transferred all the corals from my old tank to the new one. Then it just started overflowing again and I can't stop it. I have it on the lowest setting as possible in a water depth of 7.5". When I transferred all the corals I used a lot of puddy for mounting. I thought that was why it was going crazy so I unplugged it for 24 hours. It's still constantly overflowing. If there are any videos or if you can help me tune this thing properly I would really appreciate it.

Jimbo662 · Mar 9, 2015

My 130 took a couple of weeks of overflowing before it finally broke in and started skimming...this is normal for the Vertex skimmers.

Preyou · Mar 9, 2015

I have found that my Omega is completely reliant on maintaining a steady water level for consistent skimming. If I allow my sump to run even a half an inch higher, it will overflow. Keep a close eye on your water level in the sump and you should be fine.

Jimbo662 · Mar 9, 2015

+1 on water level.

rboutin111 · Mar 9, 2015

Jimbo662 said:
My 130 took a couple of weeks of overflowing before it finally broke in and started skimming...this is normal for the Vertex skimmers.

So should I just take the cover off and let it overflow?

Jimbo662 · Mar 9, 2015

that's what i did...i also removed the little stopper in the drain tube to help prevent as much splatter / spray as possible.

zebe00 · Mar 9, 2015

Check your salinity, if you are over 39, they won't stop. I replaced a 170 with a 150, both were doing what yours is. Dropped back down to 35 from 40, and all is well.

rboutin111 · Mar 9, 2015

Preyou said:
I have found that my Omega is completely reliant on maintaining a steady water level for consistent skimming. If I allow my sump to run even a half an inch higher, it will overflow. Keep a close eye on your water level in the sump and you should be fine.

Jimbo662 said:
+1 on water level.

My water level is constant because I have my sump sent up with baffles. Thanks for the input.

rboutin111 · Mar 10, 2015

There has to be something else I can do to tune this skimmer. I've checked the salinity to cross that as the possible issue off. Does anyone else have any suggestions?

davejep · Mar 11, 2015

rboutin111 said:
Does anyone else have any suggestions?

Sell it and get a different skimmer, thats what I did after fighting with mine for 4 months

c_healy · Mar 11, 2015

How long have you been running the skimmer?

May take a week or so before it settles in.

Ive never had issues with my omega 150.

ssdawood · Mar 11, 2015

This is like two days worth of skimmate on my vertex 150. I bought it used on a forum. I opened the wedge pipe till the bubbles were at the bottom of the collection cup. Then I fine tuned the venturi by opening it like three turns till the bubbles got finer.

Over the course of three days I then fine tuned the wedge pipe till it was producing dark skimmate.

Very happy with the price I paid vs performance. I have it for two months and its like set it and forget.

ssdawood · Mar 11, 2015

Its is on 100 gallon tank and I have it in 7 inches of water.

rboutin111 · Mar 11, 2015

Thanks everyone. I've had it running for about 3 weeks, but without any live stock. It only started to overflow once I added the live stock.

It's not perfect, but starting to see improvements. I bought some new PVC today to take it from 7.5" to 7". It's hard to believe a $400 skimmer functions like this in the beginning.

ksed · Mar 13, 2015

How is the skimmer now.

MadCityReefer · Mar 15, 2015

Make sure your return is not submerged.

jwshiver · Jun 1, 2016

I've had my Omega 150 for 8 months now and I hate it. Tank is 120 with 42 frags, 7 fish, 1 shrimp, 1 hermit crab, and multiple snails. Can't get it dialed in. I've researched everything I can find on the web (because Vertex does not believe in operating instructions) and the inability to tune it seems to be a very common problem with this point of sale. You name I've tried it; volute in, volute out, 7", 7 1/2', 8", foam height different levels. Currently the volute is out 1 turn and the bubble level is at the base of the neck. Been that way for 3 days and no foam! At best it wet skims and eventually overflows. In 8 months it has NEVER dry skimmed. Sump has adjustable water level so that never fluctuates. At my wits end and ready to replace it. Thinking of trying the Skimz Monster SM163 DC. Anyone familiar with this unit?

tcarter1936 · Jun 1, 2016

I had to keep water level in sump at 9 " for my vertex or it wouldn't work, continuous adjustment none the less I'm now using a simplicity DC and love it.

midtnmike41 · Jun 1, 2016

I have had mine for about a month now, it's in about 7.25 in of water now and doing "OK". Any deeper and the bubbles at the neck are huge. Its the loudest thing in my sump. Its just a low pitched hum that can be heard anywhere in the house, and it always skims really wet. I have been looking at the new RLSS DB6i. Waiting on some reviews though.

Maximitsurugi · Sep 18, 2020

midtnmike41 said:
I have had mine for about a month now, it's in about 7.25 in of water now and doing "OK". Any deeper and the bubbles at the neck are huge. Its the loudest thing in my sump. Its just a low pitched hum that can be heard anywhere in the house, and it always skims really wet. I have been looking at the new RLSS DB6i. Waiting on some reviews though.

I know its a lazarus thread but did you ever quiet the vertex? Im havingvthe same issue. It just drones.