diy skimmers

[Corey]

A question for the DIYers, I built a venturi skimmer, works OK but not all that much dry foam, I dont have a lot of room in my sump height ways, but if I were to cut it shorter and lift it higher in the sump, and open up the gate valve, would that increase the performance? Right now it has a 17" tall 4" wide outer chamber, inner chamber is 2" wide and 2" from the top of outer chamber, venturi driven micro bubbles are forced down the inner chamber by 1/2" tube stopping 1" from the bottom. Riser tube is 2" tube 6" long, 3" inside collection cup.

[Aquattro]

How about less water and more air thru it? That might give you the foam you need without cutting anything...

[Corey]

how would do that?

[Aquattro]

I would say by turning down the water with a valve, or opening the water outlet somehow. Restricting the output of the water to increase velocity passing over the venturi, thus drawing greater amounts of air.
Really, we'd need to see the skimmer or plans or pics to give you any better advice.

[Corey]

http://www.canreef.com/photopost/data/500/1208skimmer-thumb.JPG
this is the skimmer, It sits in 12" of water the center of the outflow sits about 1.5" from the bottom and is 1". the inflow goes from a 1/2" venturi to a 3/4" bulkhead and then a 1" inside diam. tube.

[Corey]

small pic I know Ill try and fix it

[Corey]

http://www.canreef.com/photopost/data/500/1208skimmer.GIF

[Corey]

would it help if I put a ball valve before the venturi?

[Aquattro]

no, you can raise or lower the water height with the valve at the bottom. Regulate the amount of air being drawn into the venturi with an air valve. Between the two adjustments, you should be able to get decent foam from that skimmer.