Royal-Exclusiv / Vertex Cone Skimmer Club - Page 62

ljr · 08/26/2013, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy B.

For those needing a maintenance guide on pump cleaning:

http://royalexclusiv.net/images/cont...enance_eng.pdf

Note that the model numbers do not match up, but it's essentially the exact same pump.

Jeremy,
I have the Vertex 250 and have been running it for a few years and very happy with it. I had a tank failure in March and broke down and cleaned everything... I am starting everything up again and I am having issues with the Red Dragon pump. It seems to be triggering a failure, it starts up and stops (repeat a few time) and then completely shuts down. The pump and shaft are very clean and I do not think there is any build up or damage on either one. I assume any service would be in Germany, is that right? Do you sell the pump for a replacement?

I have talked to you previously about replacing the skimmer due to a cracked rim on the collecting cup collar (my fault), it may be time. I notice you do not have these skimmers on your website, do you still sell them? What is the comparable skimmer? The BK 250?

rc1626 · 08/26/2013, 08:41 AM

What pump does the 250 use? I have a 200 that uses a Red Dragon 1500. From what I've learned a Laguna Max Flo 1500 (if you can find one....not being made anymore) or a new Laguna Max Flo 1350 (new model) are the same exact motor block. As long as your impeller shaft assembly is in good working order this pump is an exact replacement for about $150. I have a Laguna 1500 for a return pump and can tell you it is an exact replacement.
HTH.

Jeremy B. · 08/27/2013, 07:06 AM

@ljr, I think we've been communicating via email already?

@rc1626, the pumps are identical between the 170, 200, 250, and 300. The only differences between the 200, 250, and 300 are the size of the venturi's, with the 200 being slightly smaller, and the 250 and 300 being the same. The 170 uses a smaller impeller and venturi.

takayan · 08/29/2013, 04:38 PM

Hi Jeremy,
I need your help for my Vertex alpha-250. My red dragon pump might be dead. I replaced the impeller a couple of months ago. Now it did not work at all. I soaked with vineger for a couple of days to make sure there are no calcium on it. I made sure all parts are correctly assemble. I assume the main body of the pump is broken.
What should I do?

Jeremy B. · 09/03/2013, 01:38 PM

Pull the front cover off the pump while you have it out of the sump and plug it in to see if the impeller is chugging or doing anything at all. Do you get any vibration or anything out of it?

takayan · 09/03/2013, 03:06 PM

I did everything you mentioned. The impeller is not chugging, but it does not move at all. I do not get any vibration.

Green_Lionfish · 09/03/2013, 03:39 PM

Hello everyone,

After tweaking and tuning around my Vertex Alpha 170, it's been pulling waste pretty well. However, after only a few days, there seem to be deposit (waste build-up) at the end of the collection cup. Once this happened, the skimmer doesn't seem to pull more waste.

Then I did a little more research, and I found the Vertex Vectra Engine Universal Cleaner Unit. This seems to clean up the collection cup.

Has anyone used this? I wonder if it's worth it.

Thanks

Jeremy B. · 09/03/2013, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by takayan

I did everything you mentioned. The impeller is not chugging, but it does not move at all. I do not get any vibration.

It sounds like a bad motorblock. I do not have any Alpha blocks in stock, but I do have some BK Mini blocks, which are the exact same thing. The only differnce is the white pump plate they are glued onto. You would need to remove the block from the Mini plate it comes with and then just glue it onto your existing white plate that you have, which is a pretty easy process to do. Price on them is $199.

takayan · 09/03/2013, 03:56 PM

Jeremy, I do not want to buy the block because it is not sure the block is problem and it is expensive.
If I send you my pump, can you diagnose the problem and replace the block?

Jeremy B. · 09/04/2013, 08:19 AM

Go ahead and send it to me at the following:

Premium Aquatics
Attn: Jeremy
6050 E. Hanna Ave. #4
Indianapolis, IN 46203

Please include a note with what the pump is doing (in this case nothing), and have your return shipping information and contact information on there as well.

gambitcobra · 09/14/2013, 09:40 PM

Jeremy I sent you a email this evening with my Red Dragon block issue

Jeremy B. · 09/16/2013, 09:07 AM

I just got back from being on vacation all week and am catching up now. You should be seeing an email response by the end of the day today.

Av8bluewater · 09/16/2013, 10:56 PM

Do you guys think an Alpha 250 would be too big for me.. I'm planning a new 230 Gallon. Probably 5 tangs bunch of smaller fish.

ljr · 09/17/2013, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Av8bluewater

Do you guys think an Alpha 250 would be too big for me.. I'm planning a new 230 Gallon. Probably 5 tangs bunch of smaller fish.

It definitely would not be too big. I had a 250 on a 220 with an additional 120 sump and it worked like a champ. Although, I think the are out of stock.

Jeremy B. · 09/17/2013, 08:54 AM

In my personal opinion I would not recommend it. For that size system I would suggest an Alpha 200, or another strong 8" body skimmer. That's just my opinion of course, and not to say that the 250 would not work on that size system, because many hobbyists out there are doing just fine with it.

FoxDaddy · 09/21/2013, 05:12 PM

I just bought a used Alpha 250, there are a couple upgrades I'd like to make. The nozzle and the Vectra. Can someone tell me the best place to get them. Also let me know if you have any advice on other things I should do to an older 250, it's 1st Gen.

Jeremy B. · 09/23/2013, 09:18 AM

We have Vectra cleaners in stock if you're needing one. On top of that, I'd leave the pump as-is, don't mess with putting the adjustable nozzle on it if it's not there already, just not worth the upgrade price in my own opinion.

FoxDaddy · 09/24/2013, 07:48 AM

Thanks for the advice. I asked before I got it and after I set it up last night...I'm gonna agree. This is what I woke up to.

khngl123 · 09/24/2013, 03:29 PM

I've just upgraded my skimmer to the alpha 200 about three weeks ago and have a few question about it.

1. Is it normal for water to shoot out of the air hose in the standpipe?
2. Why is the bubble level some time changes without any adjustment?

The skimmer is currently sitting in 9.5" of water with constant water level.

IUfan · 09/25/2013, 08:56 PM

Where did you get the 200? Can't find them for sale anywhere.

Jeremy B. · 09/26/2013, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khngl123

I've just upgraded my skimmer to the alpha 200 about three weeks ago and have a few question about it.

1. Is it normal for water to shoot out of the air hose in the standpipe?
2. Why is the bubble level some time changes without any adjustment?

The skimmer is currently sitting in 9.5" of water with constant water level.

Could you please post some pics of the setup with the skimmer in it, or even a short video would be very helpful. I can then help you out from there.

notclear · 09/26/2013, 09:17 AM

Regarding the Q: Is it normal for water to shoot out of the air hose in the standpipe? I have some experience in it. I believe it is not harmful, but you can get rid of it by just twisting the hose a bit and then it will go away.

khngl123 · 09/27/2013, 10:51 AM

I bought mine at brs but I think they are out of stock now.

khngl123 · 09/27/2013, 10:53 AM

Thanks for the advice, Everything seem to work properly now. What is water level should be inside the skimmer and how do you adjust it?

khngl123 · 09/27/2013, 10:58 AM

I am thinking about getting the vectra for my alpha 200, what is the lid size I should get? 200mm? Does anyone here have any experience with it/though?

09/14/2013, 09:40 PM	#1536
gambitcobra Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Riverview, FL Posts: 880	Jeremy I sent you a email this evening with my Red Dragon block issue __________________ Miracles Starphire 240 gallon, EcoTech Marine Radion XR30W Pro LED x4, Bubble King Alpha 200, Tunze 6105s, 6155

09/21/2013, 05:12 PM	#1541
FoxDaddy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Gulf Breeze, FL Posts: 124	I just bought a used Alpha 250, there are a couple upgrades I'd like to make. The nozzle and the Vectra. Can someone tell me the best place to get them. Also let me know if you have any advice on other things I should do to an older 250, it's 1st Gen. __________________ "I do what I want because she said I can!" Current Tank Info: 200g display, 5 radion gen2s, 2 mp60s, reeflo dart, Vertex Alpha 250

09/24/2013, 07:48 AM	#1543
FoxDaddy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Gulf Breeze, FL Posts: 124	Thanks for the advice. I asked before I got it and after I set it up last night...I'm gonna agree. This is what I woke up to. __________________ "I do what I want because she said I can!" Current Tank Info: 200g display, 5 radion gen2s, 2 mp60s, reeflo dart, Vertex Alpha 250

09/26/2013, 09:17 AM	#1547
notclear Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 519	Regarding the Q: Is it normal for water to shoot out of the air hose in the standpipe? I have some experience in it. I believe it is not harmful, but you can get rid of it by just twisting the hose a bit and then it will go away. __________________ Red Sea Reefer XL525

08/26/2013, 08:41 AM	#1527
rc1626 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Long Island Posts: 451	What pump does the 250 use? I have a 200 that uses a Red Dragon 1500. From what I've learned a Laguna Max Flo 1500 (if you can find one....not being made anymore) or a new Laguna Max Flo 1350 (new model) are the same exact motor block. As long as your impeller shaft assembly is in good working order this pump is an exact replacement for about $150. I have a Laguna 1500 for a return pump and can tell you it is an exact replacement. HTH.

08/27/2013, 07:06 AM	#1528
Jeremy B. Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN / Muncie, IN Posts: 8,219	@ljr, I think we've been communicating via email already? @rc1626, the pumps are identical between the 170, 200, 250, and 300. The only differences between the 200, 250, and 300 are the size of the venturi's, with the 200 being slightly smaller, and the 250 and 300 being the same. The 170 uses a smaller impeller and venturi.

08/29/2013, 04:38 PM	#1529
takayan Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Superior, CO Posts: 748	Hi Jeremy, I need your help for my Vertex alpha-250. My red dragon pump might be dead. I replaced the impeller a couple of months ago. Now it did not work at all. I soaked with vineger for a couple of days to make sure there are no calcium on it. I made sure all parts are correctly assemble. I assume the main body of the pump is broken. What should I do?

09/03/2013, 01:38 PM	#1530
Jeremy B. Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN / Muncie, IN Posts: 8,219	Pull the front cover off the pump while you have it out of the sump and plug it in to see if the impeller is chugging or doing anything at all. Do you get any vibration or anything out of it?

09/03/2013, 03:06 PM	#1531
takayan Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Superior, CO Posts: 748	I did everything you mentioned. The impeller is not chugging, but it does not move at all. I do not get any vibration.

09/03/2013, 03:39 PM	#1532
Green_Lionfish Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: So Cal Posts: 233	Hello everyone, After tweaking and tuning around my Vertex Alpha 170, it's been pulling waste pretty well. However, after only a few days, there seem to be deposit (waste build-up) at the end of the collection cup. Once this happened, the skimmer doesn't seem to pull more waste. Then I did a little more research, and I found the Vertex Vectra Engine Universal Cleaner Unit. This seems to clean up the collection cup. Has anyone used this? I wonder if it's worth it. Thanks

09/03/2013, 03:56 PM	#1534
takayan Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Superior, CO Posts: 748	Jeremy, I do not want to buy the block because it is not sure the block is problem and it is expensive. If I send you my pump, can you diagnose the problem and replace the block?

09/04/2013, 08:19 AM	#1535
Jeremy B. Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN / Muncie, IN Posts: 8,219	Go ahead and send it to me at the following: Premium Aquatics Attn: Jeremy 6050 E. Hanna Ave. #4 Indianapolis, IN 46203 Please include a note with what the pump is doing (in this case nothing), and have your return shipping information and contact information on there as well.

09/16/2013, 09:07 AM	#1537
Jeremy B. Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN / Muncie, IN Posts: 8,219	I just got back from being on vacation all week and am catching up now. You should be seeing an email response by the end of the day today.

09/16/2013, 10:56 PM	#1538
Av8bluewater Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 763	Do you guys think an Alpha 250 would be too big for me.. I'm planning a new 230 Gallon. Probably 5 tangs bunch of smaller fish.

09/17/2013, 08:54 AM	#1540
Jeremy B. Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN / Muncie, IN Posts: 8,219	In my personal opinion I would not recommend it. For that size system I would suggest an Alpha 200, or another strong 8" body skimmer. That's just my opinion of course, and not to say that the 250 would not work on that size system, because many hobbyists out there are doing just fine with it.

09/23/2013, 09:18 AM	#1542
Jeremy B. Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN / Muncie, IN Posts: 8,219	We have Vectra cleaners in stock if you're needing one. On top of that, I'd leave the pump as-is, don't mess with putting the adjustable nozzle on it if it's not there already, just not worth the upgrade price in my own opinion.

09/24/2013, 03:29 PM	#1544
khngl123 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 21	I've just upgraded my skimmer to the alpha 200 about three weeks ago and have a few question about it. 1. Is it normal for water to shoot out of the air hose in the standpipe? 2. Why is the bubble level some time changes without any adjustment? The skimmer is currently sitting in 9.5" of water with constant water level.

09/25/2013, 08:56 PM	#1545
IUfan Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 841	Where did you get the 200? Can't find them for sale anywhere.

09/27/2013, 10:51 AM	#1548
khngl123 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 21	I bought mine at brs but I think they are out of stock now.

09/27/2013, 10:53 AM	#1549
khngl123 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 21	Thanks for the advice, Everything seem to work properly now. What is water level should be inside the skimmer and how do you adjust it?

09/27/2013, 10:58 AM	#1550
khngl123 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 21	I am thinking about getting the vectra for my alpha 200, what is the lid size I should get? 200mm? Does anyone here have any experience with it/though?