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Questions re: Codging together old equipment for protein skimming

Started by Guest_Piscator_* , Oct 22 2009 07:46 PM

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4 replies to this topic

#1 Guest_Piscator_*

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Posted 22 October 2009 - 07:46 PM

I recently bought an old Aqualink protein skimmer off of Craigslist, and it did not come with a powerhead. I happen to have an old Otto PH1200, rated at 1200 liters per hour. The skimmer does not have any sort of model number or capacity figures on it, just the brand name. It's about two-and-a-half feet long and designed to hang off the back of the tank. Anyone have an idea whether these two would be a good match?

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#2 Guest_dafrimpster_*

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Posted 23 October 2009 - 07:49 AM

My skimmer used a 300 gal/hr pump. 1200 ltr/hr is pretty plose to that. It should work fine. Does the power head have a venturi for air injection?

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#3 Guest_Amazon_*

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Posted 23 October 2009 - 05:50 PM

it should work fine. just so you know a protein skimmer is not necessary. I have a full blown reef setup without one. and its doing great!

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#4 Guest_Piscator_*

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Posted 23 October 2009 - 10:00 PM

Yes, it does have a venturi. I wondered if I would even need the air stone if I was using the venturi. But then I wondered if the tiny bubbles from the venturi would even be able to make it to the top with the 1200 liter/hr flow. I'm just gonna have to get me some hose and try it out. Unfortunately, the output from the powerhead appears larger than the intake to the skimmer, so some plumbing magic will be required. Just another project to tack on the list.

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#5 Guest_Piscator_*

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Posted 25 October 2009 - 10:12 PM

Well, dang. The powerhead was too powerful. Started pushing water up into the collection cup. I tried dampening the flow with the ball valve that is included on the skimmer, but that backed up the powerhead so much that water started shooting out of the venturi tube. So I guess I'll have to shop for a wimpy powerhead!