Plumbing the skimmer outside

[jasonrusso]

One of my summer projects is going to be to plumb my skimmer air line outside. My tanks are in the same room and I have a couch on the outside wall. I plan on putting the hole behind the couch.

I'm in New England so I have to protect it from bugs and weather. I was planning on mounting something like a dryer exhaust vent hood and putting window screen on it to keep the bugs out. I was also thinking about putting a small filter (like a breather catch can on a car) on the line, but not sure if it is necessary.

Any pictures of your installations?

 

[Rlreefing]

can you clarify "skimmer line"? are you talking skimmer waste?

 

[Mical]

I believe he meant air intake line...

 

[WVNed]

I did mine with pvc pipe. I didn't glue it. It comes down through the ceiling on a screened porch so I didnt do anything at the inlet. One odd angle is made with duct tape.

 

[jasonrusso]

can you clarify "skimmer line"? are you talking skimmer waste?

I fixed the post

 

[jasonrusso]

I did mine with pvc pipe. I didn't glue it. It comes down through the ceiling on a screened porch so I didnt do anything at the inlet. One odd angle is made with duct tape.

I was just going to run a 7" (or however long it needs to be) 1/2" PVC through the wall with a nipple. Then run vinyl tubing to the nipple.

 

[WVNed]

I had to look. it is about 22 feet of 1/2 inch

 

[Rlreefing]

are you worried about the cold air affecting you tank temp during the winter months? I keep the hole small and minimal just enough to get a soft line through and build a small box (2x2x1")with screen to keep the bugs out of the line

 

[WVNed]

Air has very little ability to carry heat compared to water. I think you would need a very good thermometer to see any affect at all.

 

[jasonrusso]

I had to look. it is about 22 feet of 1/2 inch

I'll be much shorter than that. Maybe 10 feet

are you worried about the cold air affecting you tank temp during the winter months? I keep the hole small and minimal just enough to get a soft line through and build a small box (2x2x1")with screen to keep the bugs out of the line

Not at all. With all my pumps I don't think my heaters have turned on in 2 years.

 

[427HISS]

In short, please explain why to get outside air ?

 

[Sod Buster]

This little filter goes on a 3/8"s to 1/2" line. Mine is soft airline tubing pushed through an old coaxial cable hole for the tv. I unhook mine the day before I spray the corn/soybean fields all around my house. I don't open any windows for a few days also. The fresh outside air is lower CO2, it brings up your ph a little bit.

 

[jasonrusso]

In short, please explain why to get outside air ?

You have a hard time raising pH in the summer and winter because of CO2 concentration (windows closed). Watch your pH as soon as a window opens. It is amazing how fast it spikes as soon as some O2 is allowed into the room.

Outside air is usually very stable and simulates the open window effect.

 

[jasonrusso]

In short, please explain why to get outside air ?

Right now I have the skimmer air line wedged between the window frame. It brings the pH from 7.7 to 7.9. I don't "chase pH" but for free, I don't see why not.

 

[jasonrusso]

This little filter goes on a 3/8"s to 1/2" line. Mine is soft airline tubing pushed through an old coaxial cable hole for the tv. I unhook mine the day before I spray the corn/soybean fields all around my house. I don't open any windows for a few days also. The fresh outside air is lower CO2, it brings up your ph a little bit.

Hmmm K&N? Isn't that filter oiled?

 

[cracker]

@427HISS it draws fresh air from outside. Our homes have higher Co2 levels which brings down Ph levels.

 

[Sod Buster]

Hmmm K&N? Isn't that filter oiled?

Mine is just the white cotton gauze and came with a plastic tube of oil. I would definitely use the cleaner to wash it off if it came oiled.

 

[427HISS]

Mine is just the white cotton gauze and came with a plastic tube of oil. I would definitely use the cleaner to wash it off if it came oiled.

Now that's a filter I know about and use on my 427 engine and sprint car. Hum,...reuse for the skimmer. Cool.

 

[Sod Buster]

I used to race N.E. big block dirt modifieds. My mind is always on racing. Weedsport and Fulton speedway in upstate NY. I'm a farmer also, all paths cross, even a reef tank. I'd love to wheel a sprint, on the gas to aim it in the right direction. I had 800 hp, but weighed 2500 lbs.

 

[Sod Buster]

Now that's a filter I know about and use on my 427 engine and sprint car. Hum,...reuse for the skimmer.

A pic from 15 years ago.