Thinking of modding my skimmer with a different pump. Thoughts please!

ok, So I have a Bubble Magus NAC6 and it works and pulls skim. The problem is the pump won't start back up after it's turned off or the power goes out. I bought it as a used skimmer and had to replace the impeller as it broke, so I'm sure the pump has seen it's share of miles. Atman PH2500. So, I have read of people opening up the muffler and that let's enough air in to get it started better. I am going to try that first.

However, I read a thread about someone plumping up a different pump externally by putting a bulkhead on the skimmer body cylinder and then just plumbing it up. So my gears must have accidently got turning when I saw this and then someone locally is selling a used bubbleblaster hy2000s for $50. So immediately, I begin wondering if this pump would be too big for my skimmer.
bubbleblaster hy2000s
Max Flow: 250gph / Max Air: 960 L/H (34 SCFH)*

http://www.fish-street.com/bubble_magus_nac6__nac6a_protein_skimmer
says 500 l/h for air draw. but flow is said to be at 740 gph.

So, is the bb a good upgrade to what I have to even attempt this mod?

Here is the page to the mod I saw that gave birth to this whole deal here!
http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/general-discussion/79074-mod-bubble-magus-nac7-cone-skimmer.html

Thank you and have a safe and happy 4th!
Matt

 

Am I reading this right?

Skimmer.....flow: 740gph
Pump..max flow: 250gph

If so, then that pump may not be powerful enough to work properly, if at all. You can certainly mod the skimmer with a different pump, but you'll want it's flow to be equal to or greater than the original; if it's too high, you can add a valve to trim it if necessary.

 

yup, this is my main concern, the flow ratings.

However, what about the air draw? Does that play into anything here?

Air draw
Atman: 500l/h
bb: 960l/h

thanks!

 

gosh zesty, I wish I could help you out but I'm not very good on pumps, plumbing, electrical, hmm.....I'm not sure I should even be in this hobby lol - bump for your question!

 

Unfortunately, not in this case. It's for certain that you want the air draw capability to be equal to or greater than the original, but you need to get the flow right, as well.

 

Thanks Bill, this is why I wanted to check.