Smallest Footprint Skimmer for 50+Gal.

I don't mean to bust anyones "bubble" here, but skimming is not only about pure water flow. Rather, and more importantly, it's about waste removal- this is only accomplished (with skimmers) via bubble content and a correctly engineered collection chamber- most of which, are similar updraft designs.

I have only used 7 or 8 skimmer in my 12 years, but I have hardly any experience w/ all the "new technology skimmers" out there, but I find it very odd that many companies are reverting back to air stones and separate air pumps. (actually I don't- think about it)

What can create more air flow (there fore more bubbles)- a separate air pump that is higher then atmospheric pressure and designed to do such at a given PSI- or atmospheric pressure venturi skimmer pumps, as most updraft skimmer are designed- seems to me most are the same- the more pumps/larger draw you have the more air you draw via venturi- this is simple physics.

I dont know- maybe I am old school, but physics is pretty much set in stone here on planet earth.

 

Ummm..only one company has introduced an air stone and that was for a HOB... I'm thinking specialized application.

Most top brand venturi skimmers are approaching 1:1 air to water ratios. I mean... how much more do you want? We could all hook up air compressors if that was good. ;D JK

The reason air stones went out of favor is that those air pumps do not put out that much, they are inefficient, and air stone performance degraded over time. Plus air pumps are noisy. So now we still get plenty of air draw with one cord and less maintenance and perhaps less noise depending on what it is compared to.

Skimming isn't about pure air flow either... it's a balance.