Berlin modification

[Rick O]

If anyone has a Berlin skimmer that isn't working well you may want to try this modification.

I replaced the factory venturi with a 3/4" Kent venturi. The venturi is available from Premium Aquatics for $17.95. You have to remove the factory venturi and close off the factory airline thumb screw. What you can't see in the picture is the 7/16" airline and air valve on the opposite side of the venturi.

I've been using it this way for three days and the skimmers performance is much much better. It has been suggested that the modification works better with a Mag 9 or something similar but I already had a spare Mag 7 so that's what I'm using.

[Green Chromis]

Hi Rick O, The venturi is in a vertical position by the looks of your pic, I was told this wouldn't work on another board that it had to be in a horizontal position. Thanks for the info, also are your returns modified to 3/4" or 1"?

[Rick O]

Close confines in the sump prohibited me from mounting it horizontally. I used a 3/4" threaded "L" to make the turn. So far it's working well. I can still open the air valve quite a bit more if needed.

I'm not sure which returns you're referring to. The skimmer returns are 3/4".

[Green Chromis]

Rick O, The white PVC tubing in the picture, are they the water return lines from the skimmer to the sump? Just ordered the venturi from premium aquatics, thanks again for the info.

[Rick O]

Originally posted by Green Chromis
Rick O, The white PVC tubing in the picture, are they the water return lines from the skimmer to the sump?

Yeah. Those are 3/4" with a "T" at the top to let air in/out so they won't gurgle. They extend down into the water in the sump to eliminate splashing and noise.

[Green Chromis]

Thanks again Rick O, I think I'll give that a try also, how about bubbles in the sump, is that a problem?

[Rick O]

There are some in the sump but they're not making it back to the tank.