Adding a needle valve to your skimmer

[TheVillageIdiot]

might not be the right place to ask, but I'm trying to track down some information on adding a needle valve to a skimmer. I have read in some of Mr. Calfo's writings on skimmers about adding what he calls a "precision needle (air) valve," but I google everything from valves used in race cars to co2 regulators, so I'm a bit confused.

has anyone modded their skimmer with one and have a suggestion for me as to where to get one?

thanks,

me

 

[george1098]

might you be reffering to a needle wheel?
i've never heard of a needle valve, but needle wheels are a verry common skimmer pump

 

[TheVillageIdiot]

thanks for the reply, but this is in fact not a needle wheel pump, but something that attaches to the airline that feeds the venturi.

 

[CJB137]

It is a valve that attaches on the airline tubing that has a screw that turns the needle to control the amount of air that enters the skimmer. I will search and see if I can find a picture for you. IF you get one go ahead and get a good metal one not the cheap plastic ones.

 

[An3]

i have a skimmer with a precision needle valve www.marinetechnical.com (HSA-250)

 

[BeanAnimal]

your LFS will have them... Plastic or brass (plastic junk more common these days) with the air pumps.

aquaticeco has them as well (high quality plastic... not hobby junk).

http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/8317/cid/2120

 

[Jester]

are these jsut valves that control the amount of air going into a venturi..?? or is there something special about them..??

Jester

 

[BeanAnimal]

The only thing special about them is their ability to control the air in very fine increments.

 

[TheVillageIdiot]

thank you everyone for the feedback.

based on what i've read here, the valve cannot increase airflow, correct, but rather gives you more control over the amount of airflow you already have w/ your venturi.

btw, does anyone have a good source for replacing your skimmer's stock venturi w/ a nicer one? I belive i have seen venturi's for sale as separate pieces, but the ones I saw were 3/4", and I believe mine is 1/2".