Big Mombasa

[uncwalley]

I'm almost embarrased to say, but I have two Big Mombasa protein skimmers. They are old and I got them for free. I set one up tonight and got some super crappy results. I'm not sure what kind of powerhead they come with, but what kind of volume should I be pumping through this thing to make it worth plugging in. For the noise this thing produces, I want to be swimming in dirty foam.

 

[uncwalley]

C'mon. Somebody has to know something about protein skimming in general, not just this particular one. How much water do you put through your skimmer?

 

[steve-s]

There's not enough info on the net to even make an educated guess. Too many variables. From what I could find on the net they are extremely hit and miss. I would suggest you bite the bullet and purchase one that will work well for the setup/tank size you have.

http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fishnchips/nov99/fnc1199.html#Mombasa Skimmer

Cheers
Steve

 

[uncwalley]

Unfortunately, I haven't the money to invest really. I have a Rio 800 powerhead that I could hook up to it, which would undoubtedly be better than the pump that comes with it, but when I try, it just pushes water out the air hose. Water on the floor makes my wife unhappy. Am I missing something, or is using a powerhead with an airhose attachment just a bad idea.

 

[RocketSeason]

from what I can gather, a Powerhead must be converted for use with a protien skimmer. so a regular rio 800 may not work. there needs to be an air intake hose and a place to plug that in.

 

[steve-s]

Rocket's spot on. You need the RIO 800 RVT which is a skimmer pump. You may also prefer what was recommended in the link which was a Maxi-Jet 1000 which comes which the venturi.

There was also one additional mod

After I modified it by putting a piece of rigid airline tubing about 2/3 the way down with a limewood airstone on the end and hooked it up to a Tetra Luft pump (set on about 9 1/2), it worked well. It does have a tendency to overflow if I don't clean the venturi on the Maxi-Jet regularly

Cheers
Steve

 

[uncwalley]

Thanks, ya'll

 

[uncwalley]

Thanks, ya'll