DIY Geoff Skimmer

[55G NewB]

I have seen several references to a .pdf file for the Geoff Skimmer. Does anyone have this file that they can send me?

I Pm'ed and e-mailed Geoff but haven't received a response, I imagine he is busy.

Anyhow, I would appreciate any help I can get. I am having trouble following Geoff's instructions.

Thanks,

Mike

[yardboy]

Geoff is pretty busy this summer, he's in Ireland. Click on my webpage link, I've built his skimmer with some slight mods.
http://home.comcast.net/~danleyjr/sk...immerLinks.htm
Here's a recent version I built for a nano tank system

[tims]

hang on .. i belive it is in the tims biggin tank thread...

[tims]

post # 82 has it.
http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/sh...0&page=5&pp=20

[55G NewB]

Originally Posted by yardboy

Geoff is pretty busy this summer, he's in Ireland. Click on my webpage link, I've built his skimmer with some slight mods.
http://home.comcast.net/~danleyjr/sk...immerLinks.htm
Here's a recent version I built for a nano tank system

Yard,

How much flow do you have going through your skimmer? I am trying to figure out how big of a pump to use.

Thanks

[yardboy]

I'm using a Mag 7 and it works fine. I dont know if anyone's ever noticed (I hadn't) or if it's something new but the Mag 7 box says that it's "designed for high pressure output". I used the 1/2" venturi with the idea that I might put a 3/4" in its place but it seems to be skimming quite well. The discharge on the 7 is a 1/2" so it made it real convenient to just screw the venturi right to that.

[Loverotties]

Looks really good!

[wharyat]

Here is my thread about my Geoff skimmer. It is a little different design.
http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=49491

The DIY venturi needs to be before the pump if you want to do it that way. I'd recommend the kent venturi if you don't like to do a lot of tweaking.

[skidmarks]

I just wanted to say thanks. I built a version of the Geoff skimmer, it is gravity fed off my return, I put an air pump in the venturi. Seems to be going well so far.

[55G NewB]

I am in the process of building a combination of Yard's and Geoff's skimmer. Instead of doing all the mod's necessary to build Geoff's collection cup, I just used a 4x2 reducer coupling at the top of the reaction chamber, then a length of 2" pipe. Next is another 4x2 reducer coupling to bring it back up to 4". A short length of 4" pipe finishes the cup. Also on the bottom of the reaction chamber (below Yard's 4x2 reducing Tee) I have the closet flange. But instead of permanently sealing the bottom with a test cap, I found a removable test cap so that I can clean the entire thing from top to bottom. It has two metal plates with a rubber donut sandwiched between. Tightening the wing nut brings the plates together compressing the rubber and sealing the pipe.

I am also having the inlet lower than Yard's/Geoff's to maximize contact time to improve efficiency.

I will post a picture when it is completed.

[skidmarks]

I found a knock out closet flange! The bottom is closed off. I haven't sealed mine up yet since it sits in the sump.

[55G NewB]

The local HD had a knockout closet flange yesterday when I was looking around. They are available, I just wanted the removable plug for ease of cleaning.

[yardboy]

On this, a smaller version, I used the triple pass skimmer, so of necessity the inlet is at the top, but then goes all the way to the bottom inside. Notice I used a standard cap (which the inner tube was easier to glue up to than a closet flange) and shaped some acrylic for it to stand on. Seems to be plenty stable, especially when plumbed up. works great too. Your idea with a test cap is a good one also, for cleaning out the entire skimmer.

[55G NewB]

Well,

I finally finished the skimmer today. Just needed another trip to HD to pick up some 3/4" PVC to connect to the venturi valve. It is a combination of Geoff's and Yardboy's designs, with a couple of changes made by me.

Here are a couple of photo's showing the completed unit, the skimmer cup, and the removable test plug to allow for cleaning.

Pay no attention to the primer drips.

I still need to add a barbed fitting to the skimmer cup to drain the skimmate.

One more thing checked off the list. Things still to do to finish my new 120g:

- Paint the stand
- Wrap the stand in oak, stain, and spar varnish
- Drill two 2" holes in the back of the tank for the CLS
- Purchase tons of plumbing parts and run drains to the basement
- Build out the fish room in the basement
- Purchase 3 pumps for the fuge/sump return, CLS, and skimmer
- Purchase parts to build DIY MH/VHO/Moonlight LED lighting system
- Build DIY Calcium Reactor
- Purchase 3 Rubbermaid stock tubs:
- One 75G to hold reserve RO/DI water
- One 75G to hold reserve saltwater
- One 150G to use as a sump
- Divide my current 55G into a refugium
- Purchase an Electronic pH meter
- Decide on and buy a Controller
- Many other small details

But at least a few steps are finished:

- Stand
- Purchase tank
- Skimmer
- Install RO/DI system

Getting there, slow but sure

[yardboy]

Aw man, I absolutely hate to tell you this, but if that test plug has the nut exposed to water on the other end it'll rust out so fast it won't even be funny. The flange on the bottom is made of metal coated with epoxy (the red part) too doesn't it? Rust City.

Caution also on a drain for your collection cup. Mine is set up in the garage so if it overflows (the collection reservoir) it'll jus spill onto a concrete floor. Inside your house is another matter. It'll be a mess, and could be disasterous. Casey's (I made him one) foamed over (power went off and when it came back on the skimmer went crazy) and drained his fresh water topoff tank, plus skimmate all over the floor. Notice my nano has no drain. Safer that way. There is a way to make a collection chamber that shuts off the air when it gets full but I am not sure where to find plans. I'll look around for you.