What's equivalent to a RIO 2500 for a skimmer

[Leroy]

I want to utilize a skimmer I built but it calls for a RIO 2500. I don't want to use a RIO but would rather use an equal pump with a needle wheel that has an air intake on the pump rather than use an air venturi.

 

[jackson6745]

Leroy, could you explain to me the difference of an air intake on the pump, and a Venturi (which I always thought was an air intake on the pump) ?

What is the size of the skimmer body?

 

[Leroy]

Leroy, could you explain to me the difference of an air intake on the pump, and a Venturi (which I always thought was an air intake on the pump) ?

What is the size of the skimmer body?

Jackson6745, Air intake on the pump such as a Sedra draws air in to mix with water directly on the pump with a hose extended up from the water. An inline air venturi is on the plumbing out of the water, made of PVC with the center concave on the inlet and outlet with an opening to attach an air regulator. Skimmer body is 6" dia by 12". I want to do away with the air venturi since I like the way the pump for a Eroreef, the Sedra works so good to micro bubble the chamber. I'll try to take a close up picture of the old set up with an inline plumbed air venturi.