Skimmer operation?

Omegareefer0 · Apr 5, 2015

I have a skimmer that I have no clue how to work and cannot find any manuals on the internet. It says AETECH on the collection lid, however there are no model numbers anywhere. I am now thinking it may be missing pieces? Anyway here are some pictures, with some paint stuff on them.

This first on is of each part the white thing circled in red is just floating free from anything else, hoever there is a hole in the skimmer base (circled in blue) that lines up directly with the white thing. Circled in yellow there is what I assume is the water intake, and in white is what I believe is the return/drain. I have never used a skimmer before so any help would be awesome.

Full view

Thanks,
Alex

Reefing Madness · Apr 5, 2015

Yellow cirlce- Skimmer Pump
Red- Airline Intake
White- Return Line

Omegareefer0 · Apr 5, 2015

Where should the air intake enter the skimmer body?

Reefing Madness · Apr 5, 2015

It doesn't, it attaches to a nipple on the end of the pump.

Omegareefer0 · Apr 5, 2015

Okay ill do some more research on how to use a skimmer then cuz I have a old powerhead that's supposed to be the pump.

Reefing Madness · Apr 5, 2015

Doesn't look like it takes a powerhead to me, needs a state of the art pump if you ask me. Its going to be set up like this. Pump underneath the feed, the ailine will attach to the nipple on the pump, the pump will chew up the air water mixture and send it to the next chamber.

Omegareefer0 · Apr 5, 2015

Reefing Madness said:
Doesn't look like it takes a powerhead to me, needs a state of the art pump if you ask me. Its going to be set up like this. Pump underneath the feed, the ailine will attach to the nipple on the pump, the pump will chew up the air water mixture and send it to the next chamber.

Where would one acquire such sorcery equipment?

Omegareefer0 · Apr 5, 2015

Or rather what are some good ones for this skimmer I have no idea what gals it is rated for but it is being used for a 40b with a 20-25g ish sump.

Reefing Madness · Apr 5, 2015

Without knowing what kind that is, we would just have to try and match some plumbing together with another pump.
. Unless someone recognizes what type that one is. You can just go with one of these.
ASM Protein Skimmer Replacement Pumps
Sicce Professional Protein Skimmer Pump
Reef Octopus 1000W Water Blaster Circulation Return Pump 250GPH Saltwater Reef | eBay
Reef Octopus OTP 1000 Circulation Water Pump Rated at 250 GPH Aquarium Return | eBay

You'd have to be a DIY guy to put the plumbing together.

Reefing Madness · Apr 6, 2015

So you are missing the skimmer pump and the Return line pvc. We get those set up and your good to go.

Omegareefer0 · Apr 6, 2015

I'm pretty diy id say I can do it. The airline goes in before the pump right that way it sucks air and water at the same time

Reefing Madness · Apr 7, 2015

Usually with the new pumps, they have a lil tip sticking out the top, right in front of the water intake, thats where the air intake line attaches.

Omegareefer0 · Apr 7, 2015

Sweet! You're awesome thanks for all the help.

Omegareefer0 · Apr 13, 2015

Is this good for a skimmer return?

Omegareefer0 · Apr 13, 2015

Also my friend gifted me a mag 3 pump to try to use for the skimmer.. thoughts?

toothman · Apr 13, 2015

That's an ETSS downdraft skimmer. I think the company is out of business. Was made by AT Technology

Reefing Madness · Apr 13, 2015

Ok, here goes nothing
Your going to need a set up that will allow you to adjust the outflow of the return. This is normally there to maintain the bubble level in the necks.
I wouldn't use that pump as a skimmer pump, its not designed for skim use, unless you modify it for a mesh impellar. Then you'll need to set it up so that you can add an airline to it for air intake.
Heres the write up for the SCA I've shown above

Model# SCA-302
This skimmer is designed to work for salt water tanks up to 180 Gallon of salt water.
Extra Large removable Collection Cup comes with drain tube is standard.
Air Silencer is included.
Removable cup for convenient cleaning and maintenance.
Skimmer footprint: 9"x9.5"x18"H
6 Levels of water flow adjustments
A 41watt, 2400 Liter/Hour flow Power Head pump is included.
Pump specs: 110-120V/60Hz 41watt, (2400 L/h) Atman PH2000
1 Year Limited Manufacture Warranty

Omegareefer0 · Apr 13, 2015

Gonna drill a hole in the intake and put a airline nipple in it. And cut notches in the impeller. I have a mag 3 pump and this skimmer. Imma try to make it work.