trying to improve skimmer performance

i have a venturi skimmer(reef devil) that i am getting poor performance from. my question is would it be worth it to run a air line tube through the venturi intake and replace the bioballs and put a air diffuser in the downdraft tower? this is of course hooked up to a air pump. would the diffuser put out less air then the venturi can suck in, or would it put out more air? any reef devil or venturi mod suggestions will be appreciated.

 

bump me

 

Have you tried playing with the amount of bio-balls(adding or subtracting) to see how this affects its performance. I was about to purchase a reef-buddy 40 (similar to your RD) but I chickened out and just got a tried-and-true turbo-flotor 1000. Is your skimmer drawing in any air or just not enough?

 

its not taking in enough air. right now i jury rigged it with a air tube and its doing a bit better. but i waiting for the air diffuser to come. im thinking about buying a reef octopus ,from what i read they seem like there very good for the money.

 

If your not drawing in enough air I would remove a couple of the bio-balls. Also you need to make sure air inlet is clean. How many bio-balls do you have in the skimmer now?

 

i have maybe 4 while its recommend to have 8. anymore out and the bubbles are too large

 

That's strange, is your pump putting out enough flow. You may need a stronger pump(700-900 gph). The one I saw running, while I was researching my upgrade, was pulling air great with a laguna pump.

 

i have a mag drive i think it does 800 or 900 gph. today i bought a 125 coralife skimmer off ebay for 50 dollars including shipping. im gonna try it.

 

A ETSS R/D is not a venturi skimmer first off its a down draft what size tank is it one and how did you adjust it and set it up ? Got a photo of it in place ?

 

i set it up exactly to the instructions. it was set up 4 years ago but slowly over the years its performance has gone done hill. and yes i made sure the air intake was clear.
anyway i got it to skim decently with my air pump mod.