Skimmer - Outside Air

[skatezen]

Does any one pull air from the outside? I'm wondering about the temperature effects of outside air in winter on reef tanks. If its < 30 degrees out like it is on most days does this have a huge impact on your tank temp?

 

[delta]

Tempurateure isn't really an issue and it works like a charm to balance PH.

However there is one small issue airborne contaminants. so you want to filter the incoming air.

 

[biggyclops]

Shouldn't since the air would equalize some.. Also will definately help with your ph.. I just started doing this with my ph probe.. Noticed a difference in a few days

 

[skatezen]

However there is one small issue airborne contaminants. so you want to filter the incoming air.

How would you recommend doing this?

 

[skyedolphan]

I use polyfill at the intake of the hose from the outside. just remember to change it out every week or so

 

[delta]

Liam did a DIY thread on it
http://bostonreefers.org/forums/showthread.php?t=57942&highlight=filter

 

[Dave McReeferson]

I like Liam's diy too. Definately want to include some carbon in-line IMO.

 

[biggyclops]

my worst fear would be that an a$#hole stuck his cigarette butt in the tube the is coming out of the window.. knowing my luck! then all the fish have emphasima (sp) or something..

 

[Moe_K]

I have a standard ASM G5 skimmer with a flexible air intake hose.

How long can I make this hose before there is resistance and thus less air going into the skimmer?

 

[naturebatslast]

I have a standard ASM G5 skimmer with a flexible air intake hose.
How long can I make this hose before there is resistance and thus less air going into the skimmer?

Could you oversize most of the hose to lower the resistance?

 

[jbishop]

Good thread, going to start doing this.

 

[delta]

Could you oversize most of the hose to lower the resistance?

That is exactly what you do. I run 1"spa flex for mine. Another thing to note is don't leave any low spots or you will end up collecting consdensation to the point where no air can be dawn in. You need to pitch the pipe to the low end of the pipe, just as you would any plumbing.

It just has to cover the skimmer intake, no need for a sealed connection.

 

[skatezen]

Greg good point. So pitch it up? To or away from the skimmer?

 

[delta]

Greg good point. So pitch it up? To or away from the skimmer?

Pitch down from the highest point, in my case the skimmer is lower so I pitch down to the skimmer.

 

[jrmx635]

air intake filter

go to www.superskimmer.com
they have air intake filters for I thinks $50ish.They are nice and hold a ton of carbon
they also explain that with etss skimmers you can run like 30ft of intake hose.
I am pretty sure needlewheels may be less but thats just my opinion.
The etss skimmers run 1/2 to 3/4 hose intake so there is less friction drag than 1/4 needlewheel hose
But if you put an adapter,say 3/8 hose from your 1/4 hose and run that the rest of the way out you should be fine.

 

[Jocko]

Sorry this concept is kind of new to me. The idea here is that the outside air has less CO2 so you're not pumping as much CO2 into your tank, right?

 

[skatezen]

Correct. It also stabilizes your pH.

 

[theone]

Isn't it a proven fact that outside air is cleaner than household air?

I know nothing about the skimmers you are talking about but I'm pretty sure on that fact.

 

[biggyclops]

it is even more true in the winter.. since all the windows are closed.. trapping Co2 inside versus having the windows open. which in turn drives down your ph..

 

[JohnK]

Isn't it a proven fact that outside air is cleaner than household air?

I know nothing about the skimmers you are talking about but I'm pretty sure on that fact.

I think you are correct about that, but the concern is if there is some sort of contamination of the fresh air feeding the skimmer.

For example, if the house next door gets a chemical lawn treatment your skimmer might suck in some harmful fumes. Or where I live the town sprays misquito killer every year, that probably wouldn't be a good thing to feed into the tank via the skimmer

I wouldn't think it would be much of a concern, but I have heard of people who have had that sort of thing happen