Air line to skimmer

[sergifed91]

I have a lifereef skimmer. What's the best way to run an airline outside to skimmer? Pvc or tubing or a combination of both?

 

[Lasse]

I´ll think its not matter as long as the extended part have a larger dimension compared with the intake to the skimmer. This because of mimized friction loss

Sincerely Lasse

 

[KStatefan]

I have a lifereef skimmer. What's the best way to run an airline outside to skimmer? Pvc or tubing or a combination of both?

I use 3/8 tubing to run from outside to the pump and from the pump to the skimmer. I did have the issue of my venturi clogging when the outside air was very dry so I add some of my top off water thru the skimmer now. If I was going to do it again I would mount the pump outside.

From the Lifereef insrtructions

Low pH Some aquariums may exhibit low pH and getting outside air into the system can help raise the pH, and a protein skimmer is a convenient way to do this.

A low pH can occur in aquariums located in basements or where air circulation is not very good and with new homes that are so “airtight” that outside air entering the home is pretty much nil. Inside air sometimes causes the aquarium water to have a low pH. In order to raise the pH you can run outside air into the CVC/venturi setup.

To do this you will need to install a “T” fitting in the venturi hose and then pump air to this fitting. Your air pump will need to be outside or if your air pump has an air inlet fitting you can run this hose to the outside air and keep the pump inside. The venturi will not suck air from this additional hose, it must be pumped.

Another option is to bypass your CVC hose and just remove it and connect your outside air line direct to the venturi. However, doing this will cause the venturi to cake up with salt residue and require a freshwater flushing from time to time to rinse out the salt. Another trick is to plumb in your auto-top-off into the venturi and flush the salt every time your ato comes on.

 

[sergifed91]

I use 3/8 tubing to run from outside to the pump and from the pump to the skimmer. I did have the issue of my venturi clogging when the outside air was very dry so I add some of my top off water thru the skimmer now. If I was going to do it again I would mount the pump outside.

From the Lifereef insrtructions

Low pH Some aquariums may exhibit low pH and getting outside air into the system can help raise the pH, and a protein skimmer is a convenient way to do this.

A low pH can occur in aquariums located in basements or where air circulation is not very good and with new homes that are so “airtight” that outside air entering the home is pretty much nil. Inside air sometimes causes the aquarium water to have a low pH. In order to raise the pH you can run outside air into the CVC/venturi setup.

To do this you will need to install a “T” fitting in the venturi hose and then pump air to this fitting. Your air pump will need to be outside or if your air pump has an air inlet fitting you can run this hose to the outside air and keep the pump inside. The venturi will not suck air from this additional hose, it must be pumped.

Another option is to bypass your CVC hose and just remove it and connect your outside air line direct to the venturi. However, doing this will cause the venturi to cake up with salt residue and require a freshwater flushing from time to time to rinse out the salt. Another trick is to plumb in your auto-top-off into the venturi and flush the salt every time your ato comes on.

I plan on using a mechanical ball valve.

 

[KStatefan]

I plan on using a mechanical ball valve.

What does the ball valve do for you?

 

[sergifed91]

What does the ball valve do for you?

If the ph gets to high it will cut off the outside air and pull air from the cup. Then when the ph hits the desired low the ball valve will switch and pull air from our side. As far as the air pump I think I'm going to try it without the air pump. The tank is only 5 feet away from the outside wall.

 

[Lasse]

If the ph gets to high it will cut off the outside air and pull air from the cup. Then when the ph hits the desired low the ball valve will switch and pull air from our side. As far as the air pump I think I'm going to try it without the air pump. The tank is only 5 feet away from the outside wall.

I have done that - I use a three way ball valve

Sincerely Lasse