Break in period for Vertex

Discussion in 'Protein Skimmers' started by djbonney138, Mar 7, 2012.

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  1. djbonney138

    djbonney138 Peppermint Shrimp

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    Nine days ago I setup my new Vertex IN-100 protein skimmer. On day 4 I still wasn't getting any skim mate, so I decided to vinegar bath it to help the break in period get over a little quicker (I should of done it right away but oh well). On two different occasions I have seen a thick foam start to form but checking an hour later it is back to normal. When I unplug the skimmer and stick my head in the sump, I can remove the cup and still smell plastic. Is this normal? Do I just need to be more patient? Any advice?

    P.S. I have not added any epoxies, additives, or any other chemicals, I have recently added a Calcium reactor.
     
    djbonney138, Mar 7, 2012
    djbonney138, Mar 7, 2012
    #1

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  2. DBOSHIBBY

    DBOSHIBBY Sleeper Shark

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    I have the same skimmer. Mine took a 2-3 weeks to really start making skimmate.
     
    DBOSHIBBY, Mar 7, 2012
    DBOSHIBBY, Mar 7, 2012
    #2
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  3. skurious

    skurious Sailfin Tang

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    I have the IN-80 right now and would agree with this statement.
     
    skurious, Mar 7, 2012
    skurious, Mar 7, 2012
    #3
    1 person likes this.
  4. djbonney138

    djbonney138 Peppermint Shrimp

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    Darn it, I hate being patient. Lol, thanks for the input. It makes me feel a lot better though. I have an old vertex that I bought used that fired right up so I was hoping it would be more like 4 or 5 days!
     
    djbonney138, Mar 7, 2012
    djbonney138, Mar 7, 2012
    #4
  5. evolved

    evolved Wrasse Freak

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    You most likely reset your break in period when you did the vinegar bath, I'm afraid.

    Give it a couple weeks from that point.
     
    evolved, Mar 7, 2012
    evolved, Mar 7, 2012
    #5
  6. djbonney138

    djbonney138 Peppermint Shrimp

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    I totally thought the same thing afterwards.
     
    djbonney138, Mar 7, 2012
    djbonney138, Mar 7, 2012
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  7. djbonney138

    djbonney138 Peppermint Shrimp

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    Well good news, I guess I just had to post a question on 3reef and wham-o, I have skimmate. Thanks again for the help guys, not broken in all the way but def. getting there.
     
    djbonney138, Mar 9, 2012
    djbonney138, Mar 9, 2012
    #7
  8. Jay Reef

    Jay Reef Feather Duster

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    it also depends on how old your system is. If you have an old system, the break in period will be shorter and vice versa.
     
    Jay Reef, Mar 17, 2012
    Jay Reef, Mar 17, 2012
    #8
  9. djbonney138

    djbonney138 Peppermint Shrimp

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    *UPDATE* So after becoming increasingly frustrated, and doing a little research online, I came to the conclusion that the skimmer was suffering from backpressure. The skimmer was at the recommended depth in my sump and I had removed the longer tube from the exit pipe. That wasn't enough to alleviate the back pressure apparently. I turned the exit elbow tube 90 degrees and bodda boom bodda bing I have skim. Just wanted to post in case I can help anyone who is having problems with a new skimmer.
     
    djbonney138, Mar 31, 2012
    djbonney138, Mar 31, 2012
    #9
  10. tom.n.day

    tom.n.day Eyelash Blennie

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    Good post, I bought mine used and it fired right up. Love it!
     
    tom.n.day, Mar 31, 2012
    tom.n.day, Mar 31, 2012
    #10
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