The Omega-I line of internal skimmers was just unveiled at InterZoo in Germany and we’ve got the low-down on what these new protein skimmer models are all about. The first two models of the Omega-I that were announced are the Vertex Omega 180i and the slightly larger Omega 200i which are differentiated primarily based on the type of pump they are fitted with.
The Omega 180i is rated for tanks up to 700 liters, 185 gallons, and uses a custom modified Sicce SK-1000 with an enlarged volute and custom needle wheel to draw between 900 and 1300 liters of air per hour while drawing just 28 watts. The Omega 200i is rated for tanks up to 800 liters, 211 gallons, and uses an Askoll motor based pump with similarly modified custom volute and needle wheel to draw between 1800 and 2000 liters of air per hour while drawing only 38 watts.
Both the Vertex Omega 180i and 200i are as exquisitely crafted with the same features as the killer Omega 150 including integrated air silencer, tunable air:water ratio, and fully accessible diffuser plate with titanium screws in the base. One thing that makes the Omega 200i unique is that the slender body of the Askoll motor pump has been placed on its side enabling a lower diffuser plate for greatly increased contact time in the already tall 62.5cm, 24.6 inch high skimmer body.
