Is this impossible

[Fishmanrob]

Hi I want to know if I can use my dc return pump can also run my protein skimmer.I was thinking of a t peace section pipe in my flexi tube with a airline in it.wouldnt this just blow water out the airline if I put the air line before the pump it will also put air bubble into my display tank anyone got a solution maybe a valve or so thing that gets ride of bubbles before it enters the display tank. thanks

 

[mcgyvr]

A normal skimmer works by
#1 pulling air in through a venturi fitting
#2 a needle wheel on the pump then chops those bubbles up even smaller so they are more efficient..

You won't achieve that just via your return pump.

 

[xanthurum]

Not impossible but not exactly easy or cost effective to pull off. You would need some specialty equipment to make and test several different things until you got it figured out and dialed in.

 

[ericarenee]

if you t off your return pump and the plumb that branch into a Venturi Valve to produce bubbles for the skimmer. The venturi works by forcing higher pressure water thru a narrow channel causing a suction point. this suction point is where the air is then Pulled in and mixed with the water. You can create this with a Air line tube and a few pvc fittings with the air tub injected at the proper angle..

The above being said If you do this on your Return pump The Venturi Reducing point will act like a Ball valve instead of causing the pressure needed the water will just take the easiest route . up into your display tank..Not giving you the pressure you need for the venturi to pull in air.. Water will push out of the venturi air hose ..
I have made the above to put oxygen in pond water
Short answer..

NO. In theory it will not work..

With some tweaking and adjusting you might could get it to work but would never be able to maintain a stable adjustment as a skimmer needs and will be very inefficient . In my OPINION...

 

[hkgar]

If you use a MTC or LifeReef skimmer you could theoretically do it. The Venturi is part of the skimmer. I use a Wavline 12000 for my MTC skimmer.

http://marinetechnical.com/page19.html