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View Full Version : Help me get more bubbles in my skimmer!


ahill
04/18/2009, 02:34 PM
I need some ideas to get more bubbles into my venturi style skimmer!

I bought a kent marine venturi and that is the current method of getting air bubbles into the skimmer. The bubbles are too few and too big. here is the current skimmer type I am working with. I pretty much started with the reaction chamber and everything is is DYI.

http://www.sealife-systems.com/skimmers.html

I am using a mag 3 to pump water in it. Right now its essentially a co-current venturi style.

If I was able to put an air stone at the bottom of it would that help? It seems like it would get more bubbles into it at least.

I have already tried to build a venturi at the inlet of the mag 3. That worked but it was no better than using the kent. I also thought maybe I could get a sedra pump for the inlet? I am trying to minimize my costs at this point.

It is only a 30 gallon tank, so I don't need anything too crazy.

Thanks!

drparker
04/18/2009, 06:57 PM
Mesh mod the impeller and then turn your current pump into a recirculating skimmer. I did these to my ASM skimmer and it made a big difference

sgolden
04/19/2009, 08:20 AM
recirc/ mesh mod..thats the best idea...a mag 3 is too weak for the venturi,,i would say 700gph pump or better would see results..plus soak the venturi in vinegar to clean it out..they clog and choke the air intake..

ahill
04/19/2009, 02:29 PM
Ok great, I'll get a bigger pump.

the droob
04/20/2009, 06:41 AM
Just reading your replies ,how do you mesh mod a pump ? sounds interesting as my skimmer needs more bubbles

screwsloose
04/20/2009, 08:37 AM
any one have a link to mesh to buy to mod a g4x?

drparker
04/20/2009, 10:17 AM
This will give you an idea of how to do a mesh mod. http://www.reefcentral.com/wp/?p=354

drparker
04/20/2009, 10:23 AM
You can get mesh at Premium Aquatics. Here's a link to the flat bottom stuff they also have regular. Enkama flat bottom (http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=ENK-7210&Category_Code=GFI)