On Sun, 12 Aug 2007 13:58:15 CST, "Bill Stock" wrote:

[quote]
The skimmer suction line MUST be hooked up directly to the pump. The skimmer
will only work with suction under pressure. It will not work by gravity feed
into the vortex, (water takes the path of least resistance). Almost no water
will flow from the skimmer to the vortex if you install the skimmer
incorrectly. All you need to do is build a manifold on the suction side of
the pump with two valves. Valve #1 is to control the volume of water from
the filter, while valve #2 is to control the volume of water from the
skimmer.
[END QUOTE]


This may be true, if one doesn't decrease the bubble size that holds up the
floating ring. I've got 3 running, 2 very nicely via gravity.

Putting a valve between bottom drain so only skimmer runs, or bottom drain
only partially would be very nice to have. Sounds like you're coming up
with some very good idea. ~ jan
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Zone 7a, SE Washington State
Ponds: www.jjspond.us