Old protein skimmer, best usage?

manowar669

AC Members
Sep 11, 2004
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OK old timers (over 30 lol, I'm 37). I have an old protein skimmer on my 55G. Looks like this:
100_0584.jpg

I know, someone will say scrap it, buy new. Well, until I save the $$, I'm running this (worked well enough 15 years ago), but I'm not sure the best way. I'm using a really fine bubblestone at the bottom, and a Powerhead 201 for the water flow. Should I adjust the powerhead flow for more skimmate (but more bubbles go into the tank from this), or less skimmate (less bubbles, but very little bubbling over). How should I adjust the flow? I'm thinking more flow, more skimmate = better. Anybody "remember when"?
 
Has this not been posted before? I recognise the spongebob place mat on the table....lol....attention to details....sheesh....i need to get out more.....

LOL, yeah, I posted the pic before. The spongebob placemat is actually my fiance's (she's 30, I'm 37, no kids). She's a big kid really. We have 14 tanks, 2 Labs, and a Chihuahua. Those are our kids.

Which models are good inexpensive venturi powerheads? I'm head to the LFS tonite, and I need a shopping list.
 
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Well, I got a maxijet 400, problem is, when I hook up the venturi airline, the powerhead pushes water OUT the airline. It's trying to push water through 1/2" ID tubing, about 14" long. I guess too much back pressure, that the water would rather go OUT the airline. It will squirt it a good distance. I'm still running the airstone. How do the new skimmers work? Doesn't seem like much to them.
 
LOL spongebob place mat!!!
 
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