Vertex Skimmer club - Page 60

endlessblue · 06/02/2010, 11:20 PM

anyone have this problem? my 250 cone is not making the bubbles high enough to get into the collection cup, i was fine for the first 6 months and now it never even fills the cup? any help thanks

Ward1 · 06/03/2010, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poolkeeper1

Sorry i missed this ? When you get the BB pump it will have a union type connector on the pump, This is where the 90 degree piece comes into play. The Volute will be facing upward (Air feeds into Skimmer) and the 90 is how you insert the pipe into the side of the skimmer. In other words one of those connections needed some reducing in size to fit and I'm not sure which side it was on now DUH but you will need two small pieces of pvc pipe to connect the new pump one of those will need to be sanded to make it fit. It took all of a few minutes with sandpaper to make it work. It may well be the pump side that needed the sanding but i just don't remember, You will figure it out very quickly just as i did. It was so easy it was funny they were like made for each other and i was worried how hard it was going to be.

Bill
PS I used all the pieces i had from the stock pump just had to cut 2 small pieces of pipe to connect it all.

Ok sounds good. I will be working on it friday night and maybe figure out how to post some pics. Lows is close by so I'm sure I can figure it out and make a quick trip once I figure out pipe sizing. Ward

poolkeeper1 · 06/03/2010, 07:36 AM

WARD1,Just one more thought i had while reading this was the fact that the 3000/5000 pumps are different sizes. The 5000 is much larger than the 3000 so you may have some height issues of them lining up. If that's the case you mat have to somehow raise the skimmer body up to have the pump even with the stock hole in the side of the body. On the 3000 i removed the plate the BB comes with to make then sit exactly the same height and put a piece of rubber pad on the bottom of the pump to dampen any vibration. They both look alike just one is larger in size, You may have to try the volute pointing on it's side to go directly into the skimmer (Three screws to rotate the volute)
Good Luck, I'm sure you will work it all out.
Bill

BryanS · 06/03/2010, 09:29 AM

Have you cleaned the air hose and the plastic tube it connects too? My skimmer has been working great once I cleaned those out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by endlessblue

anyone have this problem? my 250 cone is not making the bubbles high enough to get into the collection cup, i was fine for the first 6 months and now it never even fills the cup? any help thanks

poolkeeper1 · 06/03/2010, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BryanS

Have you cleaned the air hose and the plastic tube it connects too? My skimmer has been working great once I cleaned those out.

Agreed, You most likely have salt creep blocking air intake somewhere in the line,Volute,Silencer or pump itself. Once you find the spot it's occuring just do a monthly cleaning and you should be good from then on.
Bill

xtra-salty · 06/03/2010, 01:43 PM

Ward1, Here's some pictures of a BB3000 with the front taken apart, if its helpful to you
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1855001

Ward1 · 06/03/2010, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtra-salty

Ward1, Here's some pictures of a BB3000 with the front taken apart, if its helpful to you
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1855001

Awesome. The pics are super helpful. Thanks to you both. I will figure a way to make the pump and skimmer body align..May try to get a fitting from Lowes for the air line tomorrow.

Ward1 · 06/04/2010, 05:57 PM

Well I got the BB3000 hooked up and running. Started to produce a nice head in probably less than a half hour. I'd say the whole project took me two hours including a ride over to Lowes. Used some grey pvc to connect pump and got a fitting for the larger air line to wedge pipe. This was quick and easy as well, Used a pair of pliers to pull the stock connector out of the pipe and put the new one on with a little pipe dope. To handle the height diferance I simply laminated a couple of pieces of lexan to put on my skimmer table and bring the pump up level. Pretty quite so far. Skimmer lid still vibrates so maybe I will put some silicone in the groove to calm it down a bit.

Thanks for all of the good advice and I will update on the performance soon.

reefguard · 06/04/2010, 06:57 PM

Pix please....

poolkeeper1 · 06/04/2010, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ward1

Well I got the BB3000 hooked up and running. Started to produce a nice head in probably less than a half hour. I'd say the whole project took me two hours including a ride over to Lowes. Used some grey pvc to connect pump and got a fitting for the larger air line to wedge pipe. This was quick and easy as well, Used a pair of pliers to pull the stock connector out of the pipe and put the new one on with a little pipe dope. To handle the height diferance I simply laminated a couple of pieces of lexan to put on my skimmer table and bring the pump up level. Pretty quite so far. Skimmer lid still vibrates so maybe I will put some silicone in the groove to calm it down a bit.

Thanks for all of the good advice and I will update on the performance soon.

I knew you would find it easy, Glad it all worked out. My XP 5000 Cone always Vibrates the lid a little, Just one of the pumps traits...
Bill

Ward1 · 06/04/2010, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefguard

Pix please....

Hey I haven't posted any pics on this site..when I figure it out I will snap and post a couple..

reefguard · 06/04/2010, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Hey I haven't posted any pics on this site..when I figure it out I will snap and post a couple..

Roger that, So, does the 3000 more than enough for the IN280 as far as you can tell so far?

Ward1 · 06/05/2010, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefguard

Roger that, So, does the 3000 more than enough for the IN280 as far as you can tell so far?

I wouldn't say more than enough. I think the 5000 may have been too much as Bill said though. The performance in the last almost twenty four hours has been great. It created a nice foam head with no problem at all and has maintained it with no interuptions. In fact, it kept building up high at first and when it did so I was tuning it down. ( so I am not running it nearly as aggrecively as it is capable of) I want to let it break in before I run it at a normal level. Where I stand at this point I am super pleased and would be suprised if something went wrong from here on...

poolkeeper1 · 06/05/2010, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ward1

I wouldn't say more than enough. I think the 5000 may have been too much as Bill said though. The performance in the last almost twenty four hours has been great. It created a nice foam head with no problem at all and has maintained it with no interuptions. In fact, it kept building up high at first and when it did so I was tuning it down. ( so I am not running it nearly as aggrecively as it is capable of) I want to let it break in before I run it at a normal level. Where I stand at this point I am super pleased and would be suprised if something went wrong from here on...

It took mine two full weeks to fully break in B4 it really started to pull dark stinky skimate on a regular basis. I currently clean mine once a week and only have three tiny fish at the moment and it will get about and inch of real dark nasty skimate a week.
You will be suprised when it kicks in!
Bill

Ward1 · 06/05/2010, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poolkeeper1

It took mine two full weeks to fully break in B4 it really started to pull dark stinky skimate on a regular basis. I currently clean mine once a week and only have three tiny fish at the moment and it will get about and inch of real dark nasty skimate a week.
You will be suprised when it kicks in!
Bill

Well I have some dark grime already. This is probably because I was running without a skimmer for about a week and also because i have a heavy bio load.
I have no idea how long it will take to break in?

FishGuy5 · 06/05/2010, 06:56 PM

I have a Vertex 180 Gen 2 and would like better skimming production out of it. The skim is too "wet" for my liking. Getting more of a "green tea" liquid in cup. If I were to switch out the pump, what is advised? Hearing good things about the BubbleBlaster pumps. Which one would work for it? 2000/3000? Any modifications needed? Who sells them? Should I try something else to increase performance before swapping out the pump? Thanks for the help!!

poolkeeper1 · 06/05/2010, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishGuy5

I have a Vertex 180 Gen 2 and would like better skimming production out of it. The skim is too "wet" for my liking. Getting more of a "green tea" liquid in cup. If I were to switch out the pump, what is advised? Hearing good things about the BubbleBlaster pumps. Which one would work for it? 2000/3000? Any modifications needed? Who sells them? Should I try something else to increase performance before swapping out the pump? Thanks for the help!!

I know this is a long thread, But if you go back some you will find all the answers to your ? And In the end yes the BB is the final solution to better skimming.
Bill

FishGuy5 · 06/05/2010, 08:52 PM

Thanks Bill. Did look over bits and parts of the whole thread. Very informative. I have an old computer and it was taking a ton of time to get through all the pages. I put all my personal questions/concerns on my post. i guess I wanted all the info w/o doing the research. So the BB3000 is the appropriate one? TIA

xtra-salty · 06/06/2010, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishGuy5

I have a Vertex 180 Gen 2 and would like better skimming production out of it. The skim is too "wet" for my liking. Getting more of a "green tea" liquid in cup. If I were to switch out the pump, what is advised? Hearing good things about the BubbleBlaster pumps. Which one would work for it? 2000/3000? Any modifications needed? Who sells them? Should I try something else to increase performance before swapping out the pump? Thanks for the help!!

I have the same skimmer, put a BB3000 on it, works like a champ

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1855001

xtra-salty · 06/06/2010, 08:32 AM

I would like to raise my skimmer & pump about an 1" or 2", does anyone have some examples of platforms they made? Was thinking of doing something out of acrylic but I am having a creative block

poolkeeper1 · 06/06/2010, 08:44 AM

You may find this Funny But! I used one of my wife's glass baking dishes to raise mine about 3" and it works great.
Bill

Ward1 · 06/06/2010, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtra-salty

I would like to raise my skimmer & pump about an 1" or 2", does anyone have some examples of platforms they made? Was thinking of doing something out of acrylic but I am having a creative block

Hey I used a piece of lexan and 1" pvc for legs. Cheap, looks fine and quick. Easy to lower or raise also..(cut pipe to lower or add slip couplings to raise)

sjm817 · 06/06/2010, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtra-salty

I would like to raise my skimmer & pump about an 1" or 2", does anyone have some examples of platforms they made? Was thinking of doing something out of acrylic but I am having a creative block

Bucket lids are a modular 1" platform.

FishGuy5 · 06/07/2010, 01:17 PM

Thinking about trying an Eheim 1262 NW pump on my Gen 2 180. Can anyone help w/ suggestions on how much modding may be needed, and if the pump would work w/ the skimmer? TIA

reefguard · 06/08/2010, 07:48 AM

Ward, any updates?

06/02/2010, 11:20 PM	#1476
endlessblue Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 381	anyone have this problem? my 250 cone is not making the bubbles high enough to get into the collection cup, i was fine for the first 6 months and now it never even fills the cup? any help thanks

06/03/2010, 07:36 AM	#1478
poolkeeper1 Moved On Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Spring Hill, TN Posts: 4,727	WARD1,Just one more thought i had while reading this was the fact that the 3000/5000 pumps are different sizes. The 5000 is much larger than the 3000 so you may have some height issues of them lining up. If that's the case you mat have to somehow raise the skimmer body up to have the pump even with the stock hole in the side of the body. On the 3000 i removed the plate the BB comes with to make then sit exactly the same height and put a piece of rubber pad on the bottom of the pump to dampen any vibration. They both look alike just one is larger in size, You may have to try the volute pointing on it's side to go directly into the skimmer (Three screws to rotate the volute) Good Luck, I'm sure you will work it all out. Bill

06/03/2010, 01:43 PM	#1481
xtra-salty Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 99	Ward1, Here's some pictures of a BB3000 with the front taken apart, if its helpful to you http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1855001

06/04/2010, 05:57 PM	#1483
Ward1 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Central Florida Posts: 232	Well I got the BB3000 hooked up and running. Started to produce a nice head in probably less than a half hour. I'd say the whole project took me two hours including a ride over to Lowes. Used some grey pvc to connect pump and got a fitting for the larger air line to wedge pipe. This was quick and easy as well, Used a pair of pliers to pull the stock connector out of the pipe and put the new one on with a little pipe dope. To handle the height diferance I simply laminated a couple of pieces of lexan to put on my skimmer table and bring the pump up level. Pretty quite so far. Skimmer lid still vibrates so maybe I will put some silicone in the groove to calm it down a bit. Thanks for all of the good advice and I will update on the performance soon.

06/04/2010, 06:57 PM	#1484
reefguard Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fairfield California Posts: 242	Pix please....

06/05/2010, 06:56 PM	#1491
FishGuy5 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Elk Grove, CA Posts: 2,833	I have a Vertex 180 Gen 2 and would like better skimming production out of it. The skim is too "wet" for my liking. Getting more of a "green tea" liquid in cup. If I were to switch out the pump, what is advised? Hearing good things about the BubbleBlaster pumps. Which one would work for it? 2000/3000? Any modifications needed? Who sells them? Should I try something else to increase performance before swapping out the pump? Thanks for the help!!

06/05/2010, 08:52 PM	#1493
FishGuy5 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Elk Grove, CA Posts: 2,833	Thanks Bill. Did look over bits and parts of the whole thread. Very informative. I have an old computer and it was taking a ton of time to get through all the pages. I put all my personal questions/concerns on my post. i guess I wanted all the info w/o doing the research. So the BB3000 is the appropriate one? TIA

06/06/2010, 08:32 AM	#1495
xtra-salty Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 99	I would like to raise my skimmer & pump about an 1" or 2", does anyone have some examples of platforms they made? Was thinking of doing something out of acrylic but I am having a creative block

06/06/2010, 08:44 AM	#1496
poolkeeper1 Moved On Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Spring Hill, TN Posts: 4,727	You may find this Funny But! I used one of my wife's glass baking dishes to raise mine about 3" and it works great. Bill

06/07/2010, 01:17 PM	#1499
FishGuy5 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Elk Grove, CA Posts: 2,833	Thinking about trying an Eheim 1262 NW pump on my Gen 2 180. Can anyone help w/ suggestions on how much modding may be needed, and if the pump would work w/ the skimmer? TIA

06/08/2010, 07:48 AM	#1500
reefguard Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fairfield California Posts: 242	Ward, any updates?