Running skimmer line outside ideas?

paradizecityz · Sep 18, 2021

Trying to figure out a way to run skimmer line outside without drilling straight through. What have you done?

I have a window right behind the tank so was thinking of using something like below? But the whole is way too big so trying to figure a way for close it up

brmreefer · Sep 18, 2021

I was in the same boat as you in regards to not wanting to drill into any walls. I placed some "cut to size" packing foam block at the bottom of the window and closed it on top and wedged a piece of PVC above to maintain constant pressure from above. Drilled some under-sized holes and ran line through making sure to provide a tight seal.

The last picture shows it from the outside, and one can see what daily UV exposure has done to the foam block from the exterior. I plan on cutting a new piece soon to replace it.

Been happy with it, it was cheap, provides a good seal from weather, so far kept critters from intruding, and not at all hard. It's hokey, but worked. ;Wacky

Note: Now looking at it all, I'm thinking I should clean it up a bit and dress it all up to look more normal...oh well.

paradizecityz · Sep 18, 2021

brmreefer said:
I was in the same boat as you in regards to not wanting to drill into any walls. I placed some "cut to size" packing foam block at the bottom of the window and closed it on top and wedged a piece of PVC above to maintain constant pressure from above. Drilled some under-sized holes and ran line through making sure to provide a tight seal.

The last picture shows it from the outside, and one can see what daily UV exposure has done to the foam block from the exterior. I plan on cutting a new piece soon to replace it.

Been happy with it, it was cheap, provides a good seal from weather, so far kept critters from intruding, and not at all hard. It's hokey, but worked. ;Wacky

Note: Now looking at it all, I'm thinking I should clean it up a bit and dress it all up to look more normal...oh well.