Air Driven Protein Skimmers

Discussion in 'Protein Skimmers' started by phoenixhieghts, Nov 15, 2008.

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  1. phoenixhieghts

    phoenixhieghts Panda Puffer

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    Hi All

    I just wanted to bring to everyones attention the air driven protein skimmer. If your like me, and have a small tank with no sump, you probably dont have the room for a big skimmer, i did use a venturi skimmer at first but decided it was too big and ugly and it also released a lot of micro bubbles into the DT. As i like to use ozone, i decided to give a simple air driven skimmer ago. I've only been using it for a day or two and was instantly impressed with the thickness of the foam being produced.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Now admittedly the skim mate collected is a little wet and light coloured at the moment, but im still playing around with the levels and im sure just like a venturi it needs time to prime.

    So if you have a smallish tank like me and want a skimmer, consider the air driven one :) it works at a fraction of the size and cost.
     
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  3. baugherb

    baugherb Giant Squid

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    Thats what I used in the sump on my 12 gal nano cube.. It did a great job for me.. Just took some fine tuning...
     
  4. silverwolf72

    silverwolf72 Skunk Shrimp

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    Air skimmers are still the best as far as skimming, they just require usually taller bodies, strong air pump, and good maintaince with the air stones. They just get a bad rap doe to it being old tech. and not costing $500 :)
     
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  5. PharmrJohn

    PharmrJohn The Dude

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    I would agree as long as the tank is 55g or less. Otherwise, IMO a sump is highly beneficial and the corresponding Bullet or AquaC skimmer is needed to promote a healthy tank.
     
  6. silverwolf72

    silverwolf72 Skunk Shrimp

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    Well I've seen 7' tall air driven skimmer running on a 300 gallon, lets just say it's not practical for bigger tanks :)
     
  7. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    Since your using Ozone, have you checked to see if the skimmer is ozone safe? Well, thats if your running the ozone through the skimmer. If its not O safe, it will destroy the skimmer in no time. The lines also have to be O safe. Luna
     
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  9. phoenixhieghts

    phoenixhieghts Panda Puffer

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    Hey Luna

    I have not checked and the chances are its not Ozone safe. However it cost me next to nothing so when it is destroyed, i dont mind replacing it. :)
     
  10. Mj23

    Mj23 Astrea Snail

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    What brand and model skimmer is that? Or is it a DIY?
     
  11. Annie3410

    Annie3410 Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    I have an air driven skimmer that is not doing crap for me. . . i think i need a better air pump. I have the red sea berlin airlift 60. My tank is 36 gal. Any recommendations on a good airpump for this use?
     
  12. kissawookie

    kissawookie Astrea Snail

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    hey

    Hey when installing, must you attach your skimmer to the powerhead? I am not sure if mine is air driven or not do check my post on ASAP section as i could use some help with this.

    Thanks

    Regards,
    Bryan