Air pump on a skimmer?

I have a question to get some thoughts on using a air pump hooked to a skimmer. I cant seem to get enough air to my skimmer no matter what I try. Has any one ever hooked a air pump up to a skimmer to get more air flow?

 

If you were to google protein skimmer mods, I'm sure you'd find a lot using an air pump. I modded a Prizm Pro. I helped a customer mod a Seaclone. I recently modded a hydor recirculating skimmer with an air pump

 

Thanks for the input I don't see any other way I just hooked one up and skimming galore. Thanks.

 

Awesome time to post this. I have a crappy skimmer too that has a venturi input and it seems to not naturally draw enough air. I had wondered if I used my spare air pump on it if it would work better. So I guess per this thread, I will try it out

 

I see the logic behind this, something is telling me it wont work that well or more skimmers would be sold with an airpump rather than a bigger pump..

 

There are a LOT of variables here. It requires experimentation. For instance, many in-sump skimmers have a "sweet spot" operational depth which is usually 8 to 10 inches. However, not everyone has the option of building a shelf to lower the depth to the sweet spot due to stands, etc. It's worth a shot experimenting IMO. That Hydor was a recirculating model and very expensive. However, in this person's sump (due to water depth), it didn't skim worth crap. An air pump made a very expensive piece of acrylic actually work.

 

I have an extra sitting around.. Im going to give it a shot..

 

So far mine is working great with the pump. Actually get some nasty looking skimate now.

 

Just to let all parties know I have a Aqua Medic Turboflotor 1000 Multi SL Hang On Protein Skimmer. Just to show what I am trying this on to.

 

my skimmer quits chopping bubbles when i put a pump on it and instead i get big quarter size bubbles