Vertex Omega 130 Protein Skimmer

[Slodoc07]

I have heard mixed reviews on this skimmer but mostly positive so I thought I'd give it a try. My tank is currently cycling at the moment but I put the PS in my sump just to test it out. The PS overflowed like crazy, lots of foam. I thought it could be from my over flow dumping into the sump and creating a lot of bubbles. I remove the PS from the pump and put it in a 50 gallon brute trash can I use to mix water to break it in. Set the water height appropriately, 7.5" and now no foam what so ever! See picture. Also the pump takes a little priming to get started such as blowing into it. Other than that is just sounds like it frozen. This can't be normal...

 

[Smo]

I have been using a Vertex Omega 130 on my tank for nearly a year now. If it doesn't start near immediately after applying power check for an obstruction in the pump. It is easily disassembled for cleaning.
Mine too overflowed like crazy when my tank was cycling and the skimmer was brand new. Even today it can be very sensitive to what's in the water column.
For the first few months I had to restrict the airflow with a twisted piece of paper towel in the silencer intake. Not a very elegant solution but it worked. You'll have to experiment. Make subtle adjustments and be patient.
Once you figure it out it is a great skimmer.

 

[miPapareef]

You won't get bubbles in fresh water, you need saltwater to form the bubbles. Also you may need to raise the skimmer (lower the water level) in the break in period.

I have the Omega 150 and sometimes after cleaning and reassembly it will not start. The issue is getting the bearings completely seated and aligned. I recommend you take the pump apart and reassemble.

 

[Slodoc07]

Thank you Gentleman, your responses have been very helpful and I really appreciate it.

 

[hart24601]

Most of the early issues were with the airflow being so high, but it took a while before air flow was nailed down as causing issues with some tanks - not very many skimmers pull large air numbers so it was bit of uncharted territory. I know my somatic skimmer (space saving 130) and my friends new 130 both come with air flow reducers you can use if desired. With those, imo, they are about perfect.

 

[Slodoc07]

Most of the early issues were with the airflow being so high, but it took a while before air flow was nailed down as causing issues with some tanks - not very many skimmers pull large air numbers so it was bit of uncharted territory. I know my somatic skimmer (space saving 130) and my friends new 130 both come with air flow reducers you can use if desired. With those, imo, they are about perfect.

I have heard about reducing the airflow with a paper towel so I may give that a try. There is so much going on with setting up a new tank I'm getting overwhelmed haha. My current project is setting up the Apex controller and it's making my head spin. Only four outlets on the power bar currently work and the display says I'm drawing 30 amps from my system[emoji15].... what!!! This is all a process and I'm trying to take it day by day. I wish I didn't work so much then I'd actually be able to get stuff done!!

 

[airmotive]

Did you use any reef epoxy (Aquastik or other brands) in assembling your hardscape?
If so, that stuff is notorious for blowing up skimmers. It takes 6-8 weeks for whatever that stuff off-gasses to leave the water column.