Gravity Skimmer...help please

thedj

thedj

Member
I will soon be placing a 50 gallon tub(from Target) as a sump in my crawl space. The distance from the top of tanks water to the bottom of the crawl space would be approx 8'. I would think that with all of that head a DIY skimmer would be key. But how to use up all of that free water presure? Maybe downdraft, maybe counter current? I dont know enough about skimmers to make a proper decicion. Thoughts and Ideas would great. My return pump is rio2400 that pushes about 750 gph. I may up grade to a mag 9.5, but that cost $$$. For now I will work with the rio.
Please post ideas.
Ian
:confused: :help:
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
Yep, but I don't think it will work with a crawl space unless you dig a hole to put the skimmer into. To be effective you need three things:
A long drop to build pressure
Air being mixed with the water as it overflow from the display
A tall skimmer to allow a long time for contact time
Mine is a counter current design and that seems to be really simple but it's 4 feet tall.
 
thedj

thedj

Member
Would a "T" work for supplying a counter current skimmer? If I used control valves to limit the flow into the skimmer with a luft air pump suppling the air? Would that be enough head? I am currently build a 4" 4' tall skimmer and dont want to use any water pumps if possible. I have build a euroreef style of skimmer and am unpleased with the results, so I thought I would go to a counter current. I dont see the point of so much power in a little skimmer. Therefore I research a more productive skimmer and found a counter current. So If I can feed this skimmer with the drop I would then be accomplishing two goals. One less power drain, and two more effecient(sp?) skimming. Im rambling...
Side note, I have 48" to work with in my crawl space. Extremely easy to access from inside the house.
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
Then it just might work but it's still only a 4' drop from your water line to the top of the skimmer. A few 90 degree corners at the bottom and you might not need additional airstones but more bubbles won't hurt.
It could work. A 4' crawlspace wasn't what I envisioned when I answered.
 
thedj

thedj

Member

Originally posted by Bang Guy
A few 90 degree corners at the bottom and you might not need additional airstones but more bubbles won't hurt.
How would you incorporate a 90 degree to add more bubbles?
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
A mixture of water and air falling a long drop followed by a couple of 90 degree turns mixes the air into microbubbles in my experience.
 
thedj

thedj

Member
I think a airstones would still be required, or better yet a Slipxslipxfm"T". Cap the Female and insert an air line. I think its a venturi only using gravity instead of a pump. Probably could attach a couple of T to acheive proper air mixture. I think I was reading another thread on this?!? cannot remember.
 
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