How to use this skimmer

[fredknack]

I recently acquired a used skimmer. The person who gave it to me had no idea how it works. The more I look at it the more questions I have. Can anybody out in the reef help me identify the parts and functions of the items indicated in the picture below?

Here are my primary questions:
1) Where does the pump go?
2) On part number 4 there is a PVC 'T'. One side of the T has a foam filter. Where does the other end of the T connect to?
3) Is part number 3 an air intake or does it connect to something?
4) Is this a serviceable skimmer? How many gallons could it work for? It is 18 inches tall and 4.5" wide.
5) What is the hose (item number 1) for? Does it connect to anything or is it an air intake?


I would really appreciate some help on this.
<br><br>
<img src="http://www.knackimaging.com/fish/reef/skimmer.jpg" width="452" height="628" />

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

1. Attatches to grey nipple(#2)
2. Nowhere and you might want to remove that foam but that's something for another time.
3. Venturi air intake that you may want to put tubing on with a valve, but again, that's for another time.
4. If you fill it with water and it doesn't crack or leak then yes. Tough to say on what size tank, but gonna guesstimate up to 75g.
5. It's tough to tell, but it looks like it was a 'very' extended air line??

[fredknack]

Thanks Matt that is very helpful.

So is item number 4 simply for water outflow and item number 1 for air outflow?

My guess is that I want to remove the foam so that the skimmer can remove debris rather than it getting caught in the foam. And the valve on the air intake is so that I can fine tune the bubbles.

[A sea K]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9587757#post9587757 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fredknack
Thanks Matt that is very helpful.

So is item number 4 simply for water outflow and item number 1 for air outflow?

My guess is that I want to remove the foam so that the skimmer can remove debris rather than it getting caught in the foam. And the valve on the air intake is so that I can fine tune the bubbles.
Yes item 4 is water out.
Cant tell from the pic, is item 1 connected to the top of skimmer? if yes then it is a drain for the collection cup and needs to go to some form of container. if no and is just a loose hose then I agree with Matt. it is probably a venturi air line. this is for air intake not outflow.
The foam is not for collecting waste but to help control bubbles exiting the skimmer.

[fredknack]

Thanks A sea K

The long hose is connected to the collection cup of the skimmer and it is encrusted with brown junk so it must be the drain. I will be sure to route it to a jug or something.

I think I have what I need to hook this thing up. Thanks!