What Would/could Happen If I

Discussion in 'Protein Skimmers' started by lunatik_69, Dec 11, 2007.

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  1. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    Everyones skimmer works basicly the same way, theres a whirlpool chamber that mixes water with oxygen. Well, in my case thats the way it works. Anyways, The oxygen gets "pulled" in by the water flow. What if I connected an air pump to the air inlet hose of the skimmer? What would happen? Would the skimmer work the same or would I be "super charging it"?
     
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  3. Tangster

    Tangster 3reef Sponsor

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    It would most likely make the bubbles to large and thats not a good thing. What type skimmer do you have ? Brand name or DIY Beckett or Mazzi venturi or a inducted air circulating type Like a Turbo flotor shorty ? Basically all turbo flotors worked that way
     
  4. reef_guru

    reef_guru Humpback Whale

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    also if the pump isnt as strong as the air input without a pump the skimmer would be limited and not function properly
     
  5. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    I have a Pro Clear Aquaic system skimmer. It has a water pump and an air inlet hose somewhere between the pump and the whirlpool chamber. The only thing that the air inlet hose has is a adjustment valve. The only difference between the way that its working now and my preposed suggestion is, right now the air is coming in on its own with no help. The other way would be forced air by the air pump. What do you think?
     
  6. Tangster

    Tangster 3reef Sponsor

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    If you open the air inlet valve wide open what does the skimmer do ? Will it to produce wet foam and just spill over ? Is this skimmer any thing like a Dutch Aquatic systems skimmer ? or DAS we use thess on many of our clients smaller systems
     
  7. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    The valve has been wide open from day 1. I was just wondering if the air pump would make a good/bad difference.
     
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  9. Tangster

    Tangster 3reef Sponsor

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    I really don't think the air pump will help the skimmer more then it would hurt it. What skimmer do you have ? and what size tank is it on and how much skimate does it pull out and what does the liquid look like dark like strong tea or more clear water looking ?
     
  10. reef_guru

    reef_guru Humpback Whale

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    each skimmer is matched with a certain amount of flow through the skimmer. what model skimmer do you have? also, can you adjust the height of the skimmer drain?