Protein skimmer idea?

legendaryfrog

legendaryfrog

Tactical Refreshment Action
Nov 25, 2006
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arlington heights - hoffman estates, IL
Hi y'all. I was just wondering, would it be possible to place a powerhead in a protein skimmer in order to give the water more contact with the air? Im talking about a BIG protein skimmer; somewhere around 6' by 12"

And when building your own protein skimmer, is it okay to thread airline hose in from the top instead of using a venturi valve?

I drew a cruddy picture in MS paint to h elp you "visualize"

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it sounds like what you are considering is a recirc mod, only with a normal pump instead of a needlwheel.
however, i'm not sure how productive a normal pump would be. it wouldnt really increase swell time because you are shooting water UP. This will just cause the bubbles to reach the surface even quicker. To increase dwell time, try to just pump more water through your skimmer (though not too much).
also, yes, running the airline tubing through the top is jsut fine and is commonly done. HOWEVER, keep in mind that if you are running it 6 feet underwater, that is a lot of airline tubing and you will not get nearly the amount of air forced through as if you inserted it in the bottom (id also use numerous check valves if you dont run it through to top though. and quality ones.)
another thing i woudl suggest that i didnt see in yoru picture is a smaller piece of acrylic tubing running up the airline tubing to make sure the flow of the skimmer doesnt jsut sweep all the bubbles right out into yoru tank.
im sure others may have other suggestions too. GOOD LUCK!
 
How's this then?


It'll be 6' high and 4" wide. I wont use a powerhead inside the skimmer.

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that should be okay. just curious, did you post the thread asking about needle wheel pumps because you plan on that one shown being a needlewheel? if so, the airpump probably wont be necessary.
if youwould like, there are some good articles about building yoru own skimmer on google. some good tips and hints as to what might be best for your system. :)
 
Thanks for that link. I realize now I was searching in the wrong place. Needle-wheel pumps are found under "protein skimmer replacement pumps" not under "water pumps"
 
No problem!!!
 
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