Venturi protein skimmers, such as the Red Sea Protein Skimmers, use a venturi valve to produce a mix of water and fine bubbles. Therefore, there is nothing to replace, and adjustments may not have to be made as frequently to keep the protein skimmer working correctly. Venturi protein skimmers are also often designed to create a spinning vortex of water and air inside the protein skimmer to maximize contact time between the air and water without the necessity of a tall column. Thus a venturi protein skimmer for a given size tank will normally be smaller than other protein skimmers of comparable performance. The small size means that the venturi protein skimmer can easily be hidden underneath the tank and will leave more room in the cabinet for other equipment.
A venturi valve is a special type of device that has an entry for air and two an entry and an exit for water. The internal part of the valve is built in such manner that as water flows through it forcefully, air is drawn into the valve. The higher the pressure of the ingoing water, the more air is drawn into the venturi valve. The more is drawn in, the more bubbles are formed and the smaller they are. This is obviously very desirable as it allows for far better skimming.
It is critical when using a venturi valve to size it properly and to ensure that the pump that pushes water into it is powerful enough or you will not get adequate and acceptable results. Very often when a venturi valve does not receive strong enough water input in terms of pounds per square inch, the amount of air that is drawn in will not be high enough and the venturi will not operate properly, making you believe that the venturi itself is faulty or worn out. This is not the case. Just increase the strength of the water inflow and you will get the kind of performance you are looking for.
Thomas
