Skimmer Question?

I know that this is a dumb question, but, could any powerhead work on a skimmer or are they different ones. The reason why I'm asking is that I have a ViaAqua 250gph powerhaed and a sea clone 100 skimmer. I connected the air tube to the pump and it works fine. A lot of air comes through, great aeration but when I connect it to the skimmer, through the output of the pump, water squirts out the air tube. When the air tube is installed into the input, no air at all comes into the pump. So is it that the pump is too powerful for the skimmer or is it that it's not made for a skimmer?

 

Usually you can use any pump. I'm not that familiar with a skimmer of that type, I have a AquaC remora with a maxi jet 1200. All I need to do is to attach the output of the pump to the input tube of the skimmer and thats it. I think one problem may be is that you shouldn't be using an airtube with a skimmer. My maxi jet has that option, but there is not need for it. Can you not hook up the air tube?

 

Yeah, I can hook up the air tube to either the input or the output. The pump has those features. I'm just a bit puzzled as to why it's not aerating when the skimmer is attached to it. I think I know what I need to add one of those little black caps to the input that has the little hole to place the air tube. it comes with all the maxi jet pumps. I think you know what I'm talking about. I just can't explain it too well lol. Either that or get a maxi jet or a type of pump called a venturi (i think)? Thanks for the input
Cheers

 

You need that black plastic thingy on your pump's input; attach the air hose to that, and the output to the skimmer. It'll work well.

 

250 isn't very much gph so that's probably why it's not working right. I tried to run a 296pgh on my skimmer and it would not work at all. You should probably be using at least 600-700gph on your skimmer.

 

The Seaclone comes stock with a Maxi jet 1200-I believe, which has a flow rate of 295 gals per hour. If you use a pump that is too strong you will not get enough air or you will get some air but not a good mix in comparision to the amount of water. If you were to use a 700gph pump that skimmer will be shot to the moon!!
There are a few ways that you can "mod" a Seaclone to make it ACTUALLY work semi decent. One is too bore the venturi hole alittle bigger and use a larger air tube, this will help bring in more air. Also the impeller can be mod'ed to be more of a needle or mesh wheel if you are ambitous and creative. Lastly you can take the skimmer apart and cut down the reaction tube as it comes too long stock. Search seaclone mods and I am sure you will find more ideas and pics...
The best thing would be getting a new skimmer instead of trying to run a different pump. BUT if you are really set on that seaclone look for a similar rated needle wheel pump and try to use that, might be hard to get it to attach to the J tube, though. Rio has some cheap needlewheels out there.

Good luck and happy mod'ing!

 

Hey... Thanks for the replies folks. Very informative. Will try doing the modifications or I can just buy a maxi-jet 1200. Will Sort it out. I have big news coming soon, (I hope)

 

I wrote a dyi a while ago on how to mod the seaclone if you decide to mod it:
http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/how-mod-sea-clone-55998.html

 

hey thanks alot. will check up on it.