[DJ88]

Well from the work I have done with Skimmers I would say that the skimmer PM makes is only good on a smaller size tank. Most CC skimmers I have seen for larger systems are well over 32 inches high. Even up to 6' high for something on a 150 gallon system. For the most part take the manufacturers number with a grain of salt.. I usually take it down by about 50% on venturi and airstone skimmers. Those are numbers I have seen with a bit of research into skimmers of various designs. Bullet(beckett) styles usually are close to the mark as they are forced water and air production. Different from venturi and CC air stone skimmers.

Most air skimmers use those same wooden airstones for bubble production, so you will probably get the same bubble production as others.

The PM systems offset the height by having the water rotating in the column to allow for more contact time. Same idea as the Venturi skimmer they make. If you look you will see that the injector is offset from center to give it that swirling motion. With the PM site you will also notice they don't give a recommended water pump.. I'd say you will need something more than a MJ or Rio 800 on it.

Just some helpful words.. If you are putting this on your tank you may want to take others experiences such as snailman's.

IMO you will end up with a skimmer that isn't strong enough for a tank your size. I ran a CC skimmer on my 90 for a while and the only height I found worked half decent was a 5 foot tall skimmer. With two air stones and a massive pump driving those. You will also find that they only work for a while then you need to replace the stones. Once a month is a good rule of thumb. For water flow I had a hagen 5000 on it pushing 1000GPH. I think mine didn't work that well as I didn't have a strong enough air pump on it. You will need a huge air pump to run a tall skimmer efficiently. If I remember right I priced some out at over $150 each with enough pressure and able to handle the back pressure.

HTH

IMO IME

[ 25 December 2001: Message edited by: DJ88 ]