DIY Rio Water Pump Modifications

Project: Make air injection modifications to a Rio Water Pump.
Purpose: To replace expensive venturi valves for power protein skimmers.
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate.

Ok, you just bought that expensive protein skimmer that is equipped with a venturi valve that requires a March 3MD minimum to drive it. Outta bucks to buy it? Read on!
Many years ago some hobbyist accidently dropped a piece of airline tubing into a sump and discovered that the water pump would draw air down the length of the tubing, mix it up with the water, and shoot out a froth of billions of micro-bubbles!

This was the birth of the low-tech venturi driven protein skimmer! Rio also manufactures this modification and makes the parts available commercially, but that's not nearly as much fun as a DIY project, right? Here is what you will need.

Parts List
- Rio 2500P, or similar Rio Water Pump Models.
- 1/8" rigid plastic tubing (same as uplift tube variety found in UGF systems).
- Superglue (thickened is best, but gel is ok).
- 5/32" drill bit/hand drill or dremel tool.
- 3/16" or similar hard plastic tube, approximately 3" long, cut into 3-1" lengths.
- Standard vinyl airline hose (soft, flexible) approximately 6" length.

Before getting started, review my diagrams and instructions. Then when ready with parts in hand, you'll have this baby kicked out in no time at all enjoying that new skimmer even more so than you dreamed of, and your fish and inverts will too!