Outside Airline for Protein Skimmer

[ReefDreamz]

My protein skimmer has an air inlet that fits 3/8" ID tubing. To hook up an outside airline I need to run a line 10 feet. Can I use the 3/8" tubing for the whole length or does the airline have to have a larger diameter to not restrict the air?

 

[AlexG]

You can run 3/8in line but the smaller diameter will restrict the airflow a bit but you can monitor the skimmer performance to see if there is a big impact. I always tried to run a larger diameter line outside when possible to reduce the resistance. Also you should put in an inline air/carbon filter so you don't pull any outside dust, bugs, or pollutants into your aquarium.

 

[ReefDreamz]

You can run 3/8in line but the smaller diameter will restrict the airflow a bit but you can monitor the skimmer performance to see if there is a big impact. I always tried to run a larger diameter line outside when possible to reduce the resistance. Also you should put in an inline air/carbon filter so you don't pull any outside dust, bugs, or pollutants into your aquarium.

Ok thanks. I have a DC pump powering my skimmer so I'm guessing I can crank up the pump wattage if the performance suffers. I'll try it and see what happens. I was going to use one of these on the end of the tube. My sump is in my basement and my basement bulkhead door is just plywood. I was going to run the line through the door into the bulkhead stairwell.

 

[AlexG]

Ok thanks. I have a DC pump powering my skimmer so I'm guessing I can crank up the pump wattage if the performance suffers. I'll try it and see what happens. I was going to use one of these on the end of the tube. My sump is in my basement and my basement bulkhead door is just plywood. I was going to run the line through the door into the bulkhead stairwell.

That will work. Just put some filter floss and carbon in that little cage and you have a good air filter. Just set yourself reminders to clean it and change the carbon every couple of months.

 

[moz71]

Ok thanks. I have a DC pump powering my skimmer so I'm guessing I can crank up the pump wattage if the performance suffers. I'll try it and see what happens. I was going to use one of these on the end of the tube. My sump is in my basement and my basement bulkhead door is just plywood. I was going to run the line through the door into the bulkhead stairwell.

Where did you find that filter? I am in same boat and can’t seem to find right thing I. Searches.

 

[ReefDreamz]

Where did you find that filter? I am in same boat and can’t seem to find right thing I. Searches.

Here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09BPKSK1L/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A25U0DS2UX8STH&psc=1

 

[moz71]

Here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09BPKSK1L/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A25U0DS2UX8STH&psc=1

THANK YOU!!!