beckett v venturi

[Phishy]

Still contemplating my skimmer build, I like this design, seems the easiest to do and am thinking of going wider as opposed to higher. I would like it to be overpowered for my tank, figure good for a 250g tank (I have a 90 now).

Also what size pump/ph woudl I be looking to use. I have a MJ1200 laying around now.

Thanks.

[chrischris]

well id say the pump gph needs to match your return pumps gph

[motorslave]

Originally Posted by chrischris

well id say the pump gph needs to match your return pumps gph

Id say the other way around. Wider on the reaction chamber would be good. Look at a Bk, they have wide chambers.

[motorslave]

What build design are you refering to?

[chrischris]

what do you mean the other way around you intreged me

[motorslave]

When designing skimmer, the pump shouldnt be decided by a return pump. It should be designed by the volume of the tank and desired through put. The return pump however should match the skimmer, at least close to it.

[Phishy]

Originally Posted by motorslave

Id say the other way around. Wider on the reaction chamber would be good. Look at a Bk, they have wide chambers.

clarification: I plan to pump into the skimmer from the sump and valve the outflow. So I should only need one pump/ph, which I could also valve if it is too much. I think I woudl also have to valve the beckett if I get that to. I just don't want to go overboard due to cost and electricity.

My return from the sump is a Mag9 going up 4 ft

[chrischris]

o ok well i phrased mine wrong

[motorslave]

If you go with a becket, you will need a prsure pump to make it work proberly and efficiently. I have an MR-2 with two becketts and for a pump I have a PCX-55 (recommended pump from MRC) No need to valve the beckett or the pump for that matter. Only a gate valve for the outflow. This would give you a strong skimming capability. The ssues with becketts i hear of are th need to frequently tinker with them. This can be drastically reduced by how the air intake is set up for the beckets. You will want the air filteres. using a larg "can" with some kind of media in it. The larger the better so the media doesnt get cloged with dust, which reduces air and causes the need to frequently adjust.

[Fly Guy]

yeah you will need a real pump to do both tasks.

Personally, I dont like the concept although I know some people do it.

Running the skimmer and return off the same pump is intentionally setting up the system to skim less efficiently than it could by intentionally sending unskimmed "dirty" water back to the tank. This water has been surface skimmed from the tank ..... with one main priority in mind.........to be skimmed. Setting it up that way conflcits with this.

[motorslave]

I dont think he was planning on using one pump for skimer and return.

[Fly Guy]

Then what the **** am I talking about??

We were discussing this the other day.......I misread a post...

[motorslave]

Originally Posted by Fly Guy

Then what the **** am I talking about??

Im not sure, I was hoping for some enlightenment on it!

[Phishy]

2 seperate pumps eack dedicated to their job

motorslave the valve for the beckett was to adjust the airflow in, that is how I saw the diy article (below), you can restrict the air to tweak your foam.
http://home.ptd.net/~reef101/diyhsa.html

I could also valve the intake to restrict and the outlet. that way I have the most control or is this not necessary?

[motorslave]

A needle valve for the adjustment of air into the beckett, a gate valve on the exit of the skimer for water level control in the body. This is all you need. You can put a valve on the pump but that would be more for pump removal for cleaning.