Skimmer and Pump

[Devilutionz]

I have currently purchased a skimmer, it's a Octopus Prototype.
It was used, and came with a pump.
Now, my question is that, for a skimmer, will it work with any pump with different flow rates? or it only work with certain rate?
Because I tried the new skimmer with two other new pumps, it it wasn't able to create any bubble, the water just kept rising and spilled without any bubble. Only when I used with the old pump, which is quite weak it give some bubbles.
Thanks all

Here's the link of the similar skimmer

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140343458415&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

 

[MechaSamurai]

Pics of your skimmer in action would be helpful, but here goes...

Do the new pumps use the same venturi, or do they have their own?
Can you get bubbles if you blow/pump air into the airline with the new pumps?

 

[Devilutionz]

Pics of your skimmer in action would be helpful, but here goes...

Do the new pumps use the same venturi, or do they have their own?
Can you get bubbles if you blow/pump air into the airline with the new pumps?

My other pumps didn't have the air tube going out. Just the inlet & outlet for water that's it. But I tried blowing air into the airline and it did run & bubble. It's running right now with the old pump, it gave a lot less than my other skimmer which is only half its size though
Thanks

 

[MechaSamurai]

That airline is very important, if the pumps you are using to replace the existing one do not have a similar inlet you may need to buy/add something (like a venturi) to let air into the system.

Here is a link to some good skimmer info:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/proskimrart2.htm