Protein skimmer help

KatSea · Jun 29, 2017

So this is the first time I've had a protein skimmer like this and I can't tell if I'm stupid or somethings wrong. So I got this skimmer for decent price (I just needed something to get me by till I can afford a new one).

It's a vertex aquaristik protein skimmer and the guy didn't have the original pump for it so he had it set up on a wayne green series pump. After getting everything set up I for the life of me can't get it to work "properly". It's a little more than half way filled with water and won't bubble no mater how far I open it up.

Any suggestions or help heres a picture of the set up

Ty Hamatake · Jun 29, 2017

I'm unfamiliar with that pump, but it doesn't seem to have a venturi connection for the air intake (hence the lack of bubbles). Did a piece come withit that connects to the intake and has a little connection for an airhose?

KatSea · Jun 29, 2017

Ty Hamatake said:
I'm unfamiliar with that pump, but it doesn't seem to have a venturi connection for the air intake (hence the lack of bubbles). Did a piece come withit that connects to the intake and has a little connection for an airhose?

It has an air hose at the tip of the pipe but it doesn't seem to work... Im really thinking about hooking up an old bubbler to it lol

Mr. Bill · Jun 29, 2017

Yep, you're missing the venturi.

KatSea · Jun 29, 2017

Mr. Bill said:
Yep, you're missing the venturi.

Okay... So 2nd question... What do I do??

Ty Hamatake · Jun 29, 2017

KatSea said:
It has an air hose at the tip of the pipe but it doesn't seem to work... Im really thinking about hooking up an old bubbler to it lol

The hose needs to be connected to the pump itself.

Ty Hamatake · Jun 29, 2017

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/replacement-venturi-for-skimz-skimmers.html
It'll look similar to these. The larger part would connect to the intake on the pump and an air hose would connect to smaller nub which pulls in air.

KatSea · Jun 29, 2017

Well I leave for Florida in a couple of days and I have to order all stuff online. Any other quick fix of a solution till I get back??

Ty Hamatake · Jun 29, 2017

KatSea said:
Well I leave for Florida in a couple of days and I have to order all stuff online. Any other quick fix of a solution till I get back??

If you could somehow secure an air line by the intake you might be able to pull some air through it. Test it by just holding the tubing next to it and see if it works.

KatSea · Jun 29, 2017

Ty Hamatake said:
If you could somehow secure an air line by the intake you might be able to pull some air through it. Test it by just holding the tubing next to it and see if it works.

Thanks. I just remembered I have an old skimmer from my old tank that's held together with glue and a prayer if anything I can just use it...even though I really don't want to

Ty Hamatake · Jun 29, 2017

I'd be cautious of making any major changes to your system before you leave though. Unless you're leaving it in the hands of an experienced reefer who would know what to do if it goes wrong.

Ty Hamatake · Jun 29, 2017

KatSea said:
Thanks. I just remembered I have an old skimmer from my old tank that's held together with glue and a prayer if anything I can just use it...even though I really don't want to

Could you use the pump from that skimmer? If it works, it has a venturi. If it has a venturi, you're far better off using that one then the one you're currently using.

KatSea · Jun 29, 2017

Ty Hamatake said:
I'd be cautious of making any major changes to your system before you leave though. Unless you're leaving it in the hands of an experienced reefer who would know what to do if it goes wrong.

My moms watch Blue Planet before does that make her experienced lol!