do it yourself skimmer

[autofreak44]

does anyone know a good way to make a do it yourself skimmer? also, how do these stack up against a brand name skimmer

:thinking:

 

[wattsupdoc]

I have one made outta 6" pvc and at works great!

Turning Tim helped me with mine! He's got some great ideas.

 

[autofreak44]

that looks like its working good. if anyone has a diagram or supplies list for a skimmer that would help me a lot

 

[wattsupdoc]

Search my name here and also turningtim with the word skimmer and also google DIY skimmer to get some ideas. If tim see's this he may chime in and save you some cash....

 

[autofreak44]

just thinking about this.... it says that the bubbles in a skimmer collect crap out of the water, then it turns into foam, and goes into the collection cup. i have airation in my tank, and i dont get a layer of foam over the top of the water, so why does it foam up in a skimmer

 

[rbaldino]

Originally Posted by autofreak44
just thinking about this.... it says that the bubbles in a skimmer collect crap out of the water, then it turns into foam, and goes into the collection cup. i have airation in my tank, and i dont get a layer of foam over the top of the water, so why does it foam up in a skimmer
Because skimmers make A LOT of bubbles, and they're concentrated.

 

[autofreak44]

Originally Posted by rbaldino
Because skimmers make A LOT of bubbles, and they're concentrated.

aaahhhhhh thanks.... i c.... i also found a good website that clearly defines what a protein skimmer is, what it does, and how it works
http://www.hawkfish.org/snailman/skimmer101.htm

 

[phixer]

Thats pretty good, thanks.

 

[reefforbrains]

Duct tape is always a nice finishing touch for a good DIY project. lol

 

[lazypinoy]

well heres a mock version of the aqua c. if u cant buy it, then make it! lol
iono whats up with the ?'s. i guess i didnt know wth i was doing.

 

[autofreak44]

all these designs look good, im going to go ahead and break out the popsicle sticks and elmers glue and see what i can make. ill get back to the message boards with results when its built, and if you guys can, keep the information comming.... thanks

:jumping:

 

[acrylic51]

IMHO there's more to a skimmer design and efficiency then just some PVC or acrylic glue together and a collection cup.....There is a little science behind them that the makers use as far as diameter of riser tubes, height of reaction chamber verses water flow through the skimmer as well as air intake as well.....

 

[xdave]

Take a measuring tape to the store and measure one, and take note of the pumps GPH rating as well. If a $20 homemade skimmer only works half as well as a store bought $100 one, I think you're making out pretty good.

 

[autofreak44]

thats a great idea... im going down to the lfs soon, and ill check out all the params and check back in later... thanks dave! :jumping:

 

[phixer]

This approach is useful for a lot of DIY projects, why re-invent the wheel when you can copy an existing design for less.