Vertex Omega 150 - not skimming as usual

[Ron99]

I'm not sure why people have so many problems save for bad impellers which were an issue (and may still be). I know Vertex is working on a completely revised impeller and I suspect anyone with problems will get that once it's done. The pump motor blocks themselves are pretty much bullet proof.

Otherwise, all I can say is mine is working just fine pulling out dark green/brown stinky dry skimmate all day long. They do better in 7 or so inches of water than 9 or 10 and in a chamber with a stable water level. The only time it stops skimming is if I've put something in the tank and oils from my hand maybe affect it etc. But it always goes back to normal.

[The Guy]

I've had my 150 since the xmas sale at J&L 2013 Before I ran it in the sump I ran it in vinegar mixed water for 48 hours for break in, put it in and it dailed in perfect within a day. I've removed it and totally tore it down for a full cleaning once only, but have cleaned the air tube and muffler a few times. Have not had any issues with the needle wheel yet, fingers crossed!

[jordsyke]

So I took my skimmer all apart and impeller is still fine, what I did find was the output tube (red) coming off my pump was loose, now that I have tightened it up all the way my skimer is working very good now.... maybe when it is tightened it spins the water.air mixture out better into the casing?

[Ron99]

Probably had water etc leaking out from there and reducing the pressure of the output which affected your skimming. Good that it works now

[kamloops_reefer]

sounds like this could be probable for me as well - I haven't taken it out to check but going off of memory that I prioritized the mitre cut of the red tube to match the radius / angle of the inner skimmer tube. I had to back the tube off a tad so it wasn't completely tight - will confirm later

[kamloops_reefer]

the skimmer appeared as if it was going to work properly after I had taken it all apart. I not have the riser tube almost completely closed, while sitting in a steady 8" of water. I've had this skimmer running twice before without this concern. it almost seems as if the bubbles I'm getting are different, almost as if anything that spills over into the collection cup is watered down, rather than thick and dark (as before)

[Ron99]

Mine started overflowing about a week ago. I pulled the pump head, unscrewed the venturi from the front. Gave it all a vinegar soak and scrub with an old toothbrush and it started working normally as before. I think the Omegas are very sensitive that way but periodic cleaning should help. Hopefully you can sort yours out too as mine skims a nice dark smelly soup 99.9% of the time.