In the MIDDLE OF SKIMMER MOD.. need help ASAP

[SnowManSnow]

OK, so I'm going to try to mod the air intake of my OCTOPUS Recirc 150 skimmer. In the pictures below you see the adapter that connects the venturi INTAKE to the intake of the pump. There are a few issues I want to resolve.

#1 I've already drilled out the INSIDE of the venturi intake to as thin as possible and still retain integrity. (Thats the white barbed thing you see just in case ur new)

#2 I've also drilled out the hole that shoots the air into the water

PROBLEMS

#1 Is there any reason I can't drill STRAIT THROUGH the fitting FROM the venturi adapter to avoid the 90 degree turn that it has to make?
- Please note the white gasket as it COVERS UP HALF OF THE VENTURI INJECTION.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Anonymous]

I need an engineering diagram to see how the piece is constructed, but from my guess, the air intake takes a 90 deg turn so that the air travels parallel to the water current. This will help the venturi generation. If you drill thru the intake and makes the air hitting the water at 90 deg angle, you may end up with water shooting *out* of the air intake instead of have the venturi *suck* in the air like it should.

If the fact that the gasket covers the outlet bothers you, you may be able to cut a little notch out of the gasket and see if it will make any difference. Make sure you have a spare gasket in case the modified gasket does not work any more.

My two cents worth.

 

[SnowManSnow]

I drilled through... and thankfully it does actually work.

There is a visible difference in the amount of macrobubbles in the skimmer...

B

 

[Anonymous]

Have you done the meshwheel mod?

 

[mr_X]

why the heck don't they sell meshwheel upgrades for needlewheel pumps?

 

[Anonymous]

Ive seen kits to do it yourself, I just bought a sheet of Enkamat and do it myself and for people who want it done for them. Send me yours! Or I can send you some to do it yourself. Well worth it!

 

[mr_X]

honestly, i'm afraid to screw it up and then have to buy a new needlewheel.
i'd rather purchase one from the manufacturer, with a warranty, that's approved for my unit. :?

 

[Anonymous]

Its really easy. Just nip off the needles , drill 4 holes, put 4 sheets of pf4 zip tie it down and trim off the excess. I dont think they will approve any meshwheels until they can somehow corner the market and make money on them.

 

[trido]

honestly, i'm afraid to screw it up and then have to buy a new needlewheel.
i'd rather purchase one from the manufacturer, with a warranty, that's approved for my unit. :?

Trust me. You cant screw it up.