Outside air for the Protein Skimmer

[7Hogwarts]

I decided it was time to run a line outside to draw in fresh air fpr the protein skimmer. Should I put any type of filter (floss and/or carbon) to help reduce particulate matter?

[scooter]

Only if you live in Chicago. ROFL

[Funky187]

i cant see that the air outside can be any worse than the air inside. i would not be too concerned about it, unless it is pulling air right by some sort of output of a dryer, furnace, water heater etc.

[Blueshorts]

I saw this CO2 scrubber on Premium Aquatics the other day. It is supposed to decrease the amount of CO2 taken in by the skimmer. Thought it sounded kind of gimmicky, but thought it might have merit to:

http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/MCU-CO2.html

As a suggestion to this thread let me know what you think?

[7Hogwarts]

I saw this on Premium site a while ago. I thought about it and figured it was cheaper to drill some small holes to access outside air.

[Blueshorts]

Yeah and then you don't have to replace media either.

[FloatingFish]

Depending on how big your hose is Ken, I would cover it with something to keep the bugs and spiders out.

[Funky187]

i never thought about that.

[customcolor]

i super glued a nylon screen to my out side air intake...
the outside air will help with raising the ph of the system...only one drawback is when its -20 outside...it will drop the temp of the tank faster....get some good heaters!

[Funky187]

i have heard of the higer air draw skimmers lowering temps. if only keeping tanks cool were a problem in the winter!

[Funky187]

now that i thought about it, what if you drill a hole in a fridge and pull air from there in the summer??

[cabinetmaker]

i have used a 3/8 tube now for about one year
nothing to cover or filter the inlet and never a problem w/temp either
a very good friend suggested i try it for a low pH problem, best move ever for pH it went from 7.8/9 to 8.2/3 such a simple fix
go for it

[Blueshorts]

Wow that's awesome Cabinetmaker!

[7Hogwarts]

I covered the ends of the hoses with an old sponge pump cover.

[cabinetmaker]

my only concern with covering the inlet was when and if it becomes blocked, that sponge will act just like an air filter, but i suppose it just adds another procedure to the maintenance routine

[ReefnRod]

so ken have you noticed any ill effects from the fridged temps? is there any moisture that freezes in the line? are you still happy with the fresh air? come on inform me please!!!!!!

Jared

[7Hogwarts]

So far no problems with the temps. My pH is 8.36. All is good!!!!!

[ReefnRod]

will this help with stabilizing p.h swings through the lights out period?

[FloatingFish]

Nope. The PH swing has to do with the algae growth/ producing oxygen I believe.

[Funky187]

durring the day the algae is using up the co2 in your tank. when the photosynthesis stops during the night co2 levels creep up and thus lowering the ph. algae may also consumer more o2 at night to continue growing.