Protein Skimmers
< Continued from page 2
Since soft-plumbing is the least complicated of the two methods, we'll start there. The primary consideration here is getting the proper diameter of vinyl tubing that matches your brand/model of skimmer. Vinyl tubing is measured two ways, I.D. (inside diameter) and O.D. (outside diameter). Make certain that the O.D. of your skimmers' fitting matches the I.D. of the tubing you buy. Sounds simple, but many folks get the wrong sizes when simply asking for "5/8th's hose"!
Specify to the vendor or salesperson exactly what you want.
Hardware stores can be real smug when you try to return or exchange cut-stock. Also, vinyl tubing comes in "thin-wall" and "thick-wall". Generally, the thin-wall comes in smaller OD sizes. You'll soon find out that thin-wall tubing can collapse and shunt the flow of water. I recommend the thick-wall variety. As with all things, the thicker walled tubing is hardest to manipulate over fittings, etc. You can tame that beast by simply heating the cut ends in boiling water. This thermal action softens the vinyl allowing you to easily slip the hose over fittings and nipples. Once you have the tubing securely over the fitting, use a hose clamp to firmly secure it. As the vinyl cools to room temperature, it will "swell" around the clamp insuring a water-tight connection!
It is now only a matter of running the length of hose to your pump or other connection. Make sure to repeat the thermal installation on the opposite end as well! Try to avoid sharp bends or creasing the tubing as you run it around cabinet corners and the like.
Remember that when "new" vinyl tubing maintains it's shape, but with time can soften and collapse!! There are a number of hard plastic and molded fittings made specifically for vinyl hose that address this issue. A little research into what is available in your market will make your task so much the easier.
That's about it as far as the soft-plumb methods go. Here's a tip: Wrapping clear vinyl tubing with black electrician's tape will eliminate algae growth, thereby minimizing build-up and eventual clogging of the line. This is most necessary with hang-on models, as they are subjected to the intense lighting most aquarists use on their tanks, and it also lengthens the time between cleaning and replacing.
Here's another tip: Using a cable wrap like that used on computer and other electronic wiring can help keep bends and curves from flattening out. It is nothing more than a spiral wrap-around that is designed to "dress-up" the "spaghetti" look behind stereos and the like. It's somewhat expensive but really neatens the installation!
Next Page > Hard-Plumb Installation
Previous Page > Two Plumbing Methods
Since soft-plumbing is the least complicated of the two methods, we'll start there. The primary consideration here is getting the proper diameter of vinyl tubing that matches your brand/model of skimmer. Vinyl tubing is measured two ways, I.D. (inside diameter) and O.D. (outside diameter). Make certain that the O.D. of your skimmers' fitting matches the I.D. of the tubing you buy. Sounds simple, but many folks get the wrong sizes when simply asking for "5/8th's hose"!
Specify to the vendor or salesperson exactly what you want.
Hardware stores can be real smug when you try to return or exchange cut-stock. Also, vinyl tubing comes in "thin-wall" and "thick-wall". Generally, the thin-wall comes in smaller OD sizes. You'll soon find out that thin-wall tubing can collapse and shunt the flow of water. I recommend the thick-wall variety. As with all things, the thicker walled tubing is hardest to manipulate over fittings, etc. You can tame that beast by simply heating the cut ends in boiling water. This thermal action softens the vinyl allowing you to easily slip the hose over fittings and nipples. Once you have the tubing securely over the fitting, use a hose clamp to firmly secure it. As the vinyl cools to room temperature, it will "swell" around the clamp insuring a water-tight connection!
It is now only a matter of running the length of hose to your pump or other connection. Make sure to repeat the thermal installation on the opposite end as well! Try to avoid sharp bends or creasing the tubing as you run it around cabinet corners and the like.
Remember that when "new" vinyl tubing maintains it's shape, but with time can soften and collapse!! There are a number of hard plastic and molded fittings made specifically for vinyl hose that address this issue. A little research into what is available in your market will make your task so much the easier.
That's about it as far as the soft-plumb methods go. Here's a tip: Wrapping clear vinyl tubing with black electrician's tape will eliminate algae growth, thereby minimizing build-up and eventual clogging of the line. This is most necessary with hang-on models, as they are subjected to the intense lighting most aquarists use on their tanks, and it also lengthens the time between cleaning and replacing.
Here's another tip: Using a cable wrap like that used on computer and other electronic wiring can help keep bends and curves from flattening out. It is nothing more than a spiral wrap-around that is designed to "dress-up" the "spaghetti" look behind stereos and the like. It's somewhat expensive but really neatens the installation!
Next Page > Hard-Plumb Installation
Previous Page > Two Plumbing Methods
