trouble getting skimmer going

I recently bought a new tank off craigslist and it came with a pretty basic in sump protein skimmer. the pump it came with does not have a venturi value for air intake. I am assuming the skimmer will not operate correctly without this. When I tested it in the bathtub water just overflowed through the collection cup. It also does not have a way to reduce water flow..hmmm I am not familiar with the in sump skimmer setup as I have a hang on for my other reef tank. Any help/ideas would be helpful. Thanks

 

There are skimmers that do not use a venturi. Do you know what brand / model it is? Can you post a pic?

Also, a skimmer will not bubble up properly in plain water. It must be in saltwater to foam. Rinsing in the tub will get it clean and help remove oils and help it perform better though.

 

Some skimmers you can adjust with a "dial" of sorts, spin left or right and it produces more or less foam. Others you have to raise or lower the part that looks like a vent and it makes it work the same way. A picture would really, REALLY help.

 

Okay here is a link to the picture of the skimmer. Any ideas on what is missing would be helpful. I really want to get this skimmer working! Thanksuntitled.jpg picture by mkubkowski - Photobucket

 

Not sure on brand, but that is definitely a venturi design.

The outlet (top) of pump should connect via a 90 to the side of the main body. The inlet of the pump should have a little nipple to attach an airline to. This airline should extend upwards out of the water. This is where the pump draws in air into the skimmer.

The skimmer is adjusted by raising and lowering the standpipe (pipe attached to the side). Higher for wetter skimmate, lower for dryer skimmate.

 

The air line might also connect to the pump and then put a air valve on it to regulate air. Get a gate valve for the water flow so you can skier it aswell

 

okay that is what i figured. the pump that came with it does not have a venturi valve. quick tips for a DIY? I don't want to buy an additional pump...also, does anyone have an idea of the brand or a picture of what is SHOULD look like. thanks