Skimmer question

[jordan10]

Ok so I moved a little of month or so and I have been having pH problem. The new house is alot tighter and little smaller. So I hooked up a air line to the skimmer and ran out side along with a air stone. Going try this before I get a co2 scurbber. Question is I have 2 nipples on the skimmer where it sucks the air in at should I put air lines on both of the nipples or just the one?

 

[Yates273]

Just try the one for now and test your ph to see if it works. I can tell you with mine it bumped my ph up to perfect levels overnight saving me from buying a scrubber.

 

[jordan10]

Just try the one for now and test your ph to see if it works. I can tell you with mine it bumped my ph up to perfect levels overnight saving me from buying a scrubber.

Ok thanks that's what I am hoping for!

 

[Dan_P]

Ok so I moved a little of month or so and I have been having pH problem. The new house is alot tighter and little smaller. So I hooked up a air line to the skimmer and ran out side along with a air stone. Going try this before I get a co2 scurbber. Question is I have 2 nipples on the skimmer where it sucks the air in at should I put air lines on both of the nipples or just the one?

Since the line to the outside is many feet, air will not flow as readily through it than the short nipple. The higher portion of air to the skimmer will come from the house. If you do not see much of an effect on pH, connect a second piece of tubing to the other nipple and run it outside. I think if you choose to cap the second nipple or split the one outside line with a “y” to feed both ports, you might starve the skimmer of air and it will not work properly, though raising the water level might compensate a bit.

 

[jordan10]

Since the line to the outside is many feet, air will not flow as readily through it than the short nipple. The higher portion of air to the skimmer will come from the house. If you do not see much of an effect on pH, connect a second piece of tubing to the other nipple and run it outside. I think if you choose to cap the second nipple or split the one outside line with a “y” to feed both ports, you might starve the skimmer of air and it will not work properly, though raising the water level might compensate a bit.

Ok it only like 7 feet of tubing till it outside. I'll probably just keep the one line and if they doesn't help I am going to get a co2 scurbber. Don't want to starve the skimmer. Thanks for ur time

 

[Dan_P]

Ok it only like 7 feet of tubing till it outside. I'll probably just keep the one line and if they doesn't help I am going to get a co2 scurbber. Don't want to starve the skimmer. Thanks for ur time

Try a second line. It might help and save money.

 

[jordan10]

Try a second line. It might help and save money.

U think the skimmer will be able pull enough air? Last guy said it could cause it not to get enough air?

 

[Dan_P]

U think the skimmer will be able pull enough air? Last guy said it could cause it not to get enough air?

That other guy might have been me.

Since plastic hose is cheap, and the experiment easy, if one line outside fails because of the choked air flow through the hose, a second one would ensure 100% outside air rather <50% and it might be enough to make the skimmer happy, though two choked flows as you point out might not be enough.

 

[jordan10]

That other guy might have been me.

Since plastic hose is cheap, and the experiment easy, if one line outside fails because of the choked air flow through the hose, a second one would ensure 100% outside air rather <50% and it might be enough to make the skimmer happy, though two choked flows as you point out might not be enough.

Lol right. I guess this isn't going hurt anything to try. I am going check pH tomorrow and see how it is. Will keep updated

 

[Yates273]

Not sure what size line your using but I used 3/4 Pvc pipe for the run and right before it hooks up to skimmer is where I stepped it down to hook up to my skimmer to prevent the line from choking the incoming air supply.

 

[Yates273]

Oh yeah just make sure if you do run outside you put something on line so insects don’t make it a home. I went with a screen mesh on my pvc

 

[Retro Reefer]

PSA.. be aware many localities spray for mosquitos during the summer so be sure to check your area for scheduled spraying’s and disconnect your outside air line whenever this happens.