Skimmer Pump Doesn't Work When Air Introduced

[Hurgoth]

I have a Vertex Omega 130 that's been working like a champ. Noticed yesterday that it wasn't producing bubbles. I took it out and cleaned it, check air lines, etc.

When running fully submerged with no air the pump works fine. When air is introduced the pump stutters and hardly works, with noticeable vibration. I checked the shaft and all seems to be ok. Also tried a different air line to rule out any unseen issues.

Any ideas what could be causing this?

 

[Formulator]

I have a Vertex Omega 130 that's been working like a champ. Noticed yesterday that it wasn't producing bubbles. I took it out and cleaned it, check air lines, etc.

When running fully submerged with no air the pump works fine. When air is introduced the pump stutters and hardly works, with noticeable vibration. I checked the shaft and all seems to be ok. Also tried a different air line to rule out any unseen issues.

Any ideas what could be causing this?

Maybe something stuck in the venturi valve. In case you aren’t familiar with the mechanics, there is actually some cool physics involved in our skimmer bubble creation that is not just adding an airline to a pump. Typically a venturi valve is involved which creates the pressure needed for our high velocity fine bubble stream. This creates a pinch point where you could get a clog.