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What Is Protein Skimming, and How Does It Work?

Sump-Mounted Venturi Skimmer Graphic Notes

By Stan & Debbie Hauter, About.com

Sump-Mounted Venturi Skimmer "A" Notes

  • The threaded, in-line Venturi valve is situated after the output from the pump and prior to the intake on the skimmer.
  • Different models incorporate this in differing manners, but this is a classic installation method. An airline may be placed over the Venturi's nipple to quiet the noise created by the air siphon.
  • Return to graphics on Page 3 of Part 4

    • Sump-Mounted Venturi Skimmer "B" Notes

  • A hard-plumbed, dedicated water pump provides the velocity necessary to make these style models work efficiently.
  • Here, I show two ball valves installed between the sump bulkhead and the pump's intake, also at the output nozzle. This allows the pump to be removed from the system without further disassembly.
  • Not shown would be a third, optional ball valve installed at the skimmer's output tube, below the water line. On some models, this third valve is required to create back-pressure in order to maintain water-foam levels inside the reaction cylinder. The box that this example is shown in, is a typical sump.
  • I have left out the water return pump, bio-tower (if equipped), and other sump accessories that you may use.
  • Return to graphics on Page 3 of Part 4

    • Go To
    Protein Skimming Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 5

    Suggested Reading

    Saltwater Aquarium 101 - Getting StartedSump-Mounting Your New SkimmerAdvantages of a Sump-Mounted Installation

    Suggested Reading

    Before You Buy a Protein Skimmer - Saltwater Aquariums Guide Buying TipsTop In-Sump/Hang-On-Sump Protein Skimmer PicksProtein Skimming - What Is It and How Does It Work?

    Stan & Debbie Hauter
    Guides since 1997

    Stan & Debbie Hauter
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