Air Pump?

[Nabber86]

Hi,

I am new to the hobby and am just getting started piecing together a 75 gallon reef tank. I have been studying the subject for some years now and am ready to make the plunge. I have a few question about air pumps that are used to make protein skimmers....

What model/size/type/capacity air pump is required for a counter-current air-stone type skimming device (uh, home made at that).

The problem that I am having is just being able to find "aquarium air pumps" at the local mega-pet stores. I tested a few out and quickly found out that I need more air. Do need to go to a bigger size. I have seen references to a Luft Pump and a Tetra Pumps, but am having trouble finding specifications on the right size and also finding a retailer.

PLease help.

Thanks,

Paul

[Geoff]

Welcome to TRT!!!!




here is the luft pump. usually there is a chart on the back of the pump box which shows which pump is needed for how many airstones at what depth. this should get you close.

with an air driven skimmer you need to figure out how many airstones you can fit in the tube. most people go with at least 3. this is in a 4" tube. larger tubes would need more. the longer the airstone the more pump you would need. the more air in the chamber the better.

hth,

G~

[Nabber86]

Thanks,

That's exactly what I need. (Been searching for days). It's like a needle in a haystack - sometimes the net gives you too much info to find out what you want.

I am constructing a 4-inch diameter counterflow skimmer out of PVC and am planning on jamming as many air stones in there as possible. I noticed the site has limewood airstones as well. I am planning on ordering them by the dozen.

What are your thoughts on air-driver counterflow skimming? I know it isnt all that popular amongst the experts (at least that is what I have been reading). I figure that this will get me up and running at least.

[Geoff]

air driven skimmers can be extremely efficient. the flow through these can be very slow allowing an insane amount of contact time.

the biggest drawback to these skimmers is the fact that the airstones need to be replaced regularly or they clog. clogging causes the bubbles to get larger and not as effective at removing organics.

G~

[Nabber86]

OK. I thought that it might work (air-stone skimming), at least for a while. As soon as I can get to work on a downdraft or HSA system I plan on doing so. In the mean time I guess that I will be ordering a lot of stones!

Thanks again

[Voyeur]

I am looking at building my own skimmer also,this is a link to one that looked easiest to build with the best performance(although it is ugly),was here, http://krob.com/aquarium/skimmer.htm .

I was told that the air-stone type is more of a pain than its worth,if you actually go with this one,please post how its working for you.

Thanks

John