Odd observation - skimmer performance worse after adding outside air line...???

Yeah I did have to change the gate valve after the change so maybe it is just restricted...?

My understanding is that if I go with a larger airline hose I should go way bigger so their would be no turbulence or restrictions, right? The line on their now is a 3/4"od line (super tight fit over the stock reef Octopus line but it is bigger).

Maybe go to a 1.5" or 2" line???

 

I suspect the new length in hose is the culprit as well.

Like the pistons in a car all act as pumps to suck in outside air thru your air filter - the needle wheel in you're venturi is pumping in air as well.

I'd say definitly try a bigger line and keep it as short as possible.

However, I'm thinking it may not make the difference... the hole in the side of the venturi is ultimately the bottle neck in the air system.

If the new larger hose does not do the trick (and of course you've ruled out all other variables that could be negatively effecting your skimmate) I would say you need to enlarge the air intake of your venturi.

Maybe you could simply buy a larger one (more cfm) that fits your pump.

If not, you may be able to drill a hole in the side, super glue in a nipple and add a 2nd air line.


Ironically, this is exactly what I had to do to fix my venturi when it fell appart in my hands upon taking it out of the box. If you're handy and the other solutions don't work, this may be the ticket!

link to picks of my venturi mod
http://www.3reef.com/forums/show-of...ads-build-updates-pics-pg-20-a-136895-19.html

 

With all due respect to your modding ability.I wouldn't touch that skimmer.
As long as the skimmer is at the correct depth,the pump is working correctly,and the venturi and airline are not restricted, it should work very well. Take the added airline off and see what happens.

 

none taken sir.

I actually find it very intriguing that extending the line outside actually increased his ph!

...tho I recall someone on here saying a while back he noticed a notable drop in ph from the suspected co2 increase in the aquarium room the night of his daughters sleep over party...

I find that very interesting indeed!!!

 

Most PH problems are atmospheric.In Florida we run the air for 10 months.The more CO2 that accumulates the lower your ph will drop.
Fresh air is always a good thing.Finding it is even better.

 

I changed to a larger diameter air line on my octopusBH-100F and it actually runs quieter and produces darker skim. YMMV

Have you checked the source for the air? No idea of your setup locally - is the outside air port pulling dirty air (car exhaust, compost heap, whatever) or anything like that? Just a thought.

 

If I changed to a larger airline going to the skimmer pump wouldn't it still be restricted by the size of the venturi nipple on the pump? Or did you modify that too?

 

mod'd that too. well, replaced that piece to be more specific.

Having said that, and pointing out I am not an expert on this, I would think it works similar to running a water line to your house (mine is about 500 feet). The wider hose provides more volume (and thus more pressure) on the [now, relatively speaking] smaller opening. However, my water is being 'pushed' while the air is being 'pulled' so that probably changes things too.

Again, that's just my thinking. I wouldn't argue the point...

 

Got any pics of how you mod'd yours?

Did you modify or buy new piece for skimmer pump or what?

 

Yeah it definitely fixed my pH problem!