DIY skimmer for a 180 gallon

[drdude05]

Can anyone help me find some plans or websites to reference to help me build a 6"-8" diameter skimmer for my 180 gallon tank. I would like to try and build something that can handle about 240 gallons of water (this includes my sump volume) at a heavily stocked status.

[OneDummHikk]

I think for 240 gallons you are going to need to go to a bigger diameter or a dual chambered design. But, that depends on how much space you have for the skimmer. Mostly height wise.

What type of pump do you use on planning?
What type of skimmer? Beckettt? Venturi? Air pump?
Limitations on footprint or height?

I have plans for all kinds of skimmers, shapes, sizes. Just depends on what direction you want to head in.

[drdude05]

I think for 240 gallons you are going to need to go to a bigger diameter or a dual chambered design. But, that depends on how much space you have for the skimmer. Mostly height wise.

What type of pump do you use on planning?
What type of skimmer? Beckettt? Venturi? Air pump?
Limitations on footprint or height?

I do have some design limitations. I would like this to be an in sump skimmer as I don't have room for an external skimmer. The foot print I can accomidate is 15" x 15" in the first chamber of my sump. I do have a center chamber in the sump that was supposed to be a fuge but it was never setup so there is a possibility of using it if a dual chamber skimmer is necessary. My height limitation is 31". I was thinking of a venturi setup and toying with the idea of a recirculating skimmer with a mag-drive or ehim as the recirc pump and feeding the skimmer with a smaller pump.

[nuke314]

I was just looking at DIY skimmers. I was really impressed with reef central, DIY, Snailmans. I am seriously thinking about building a 4" for my new 90 RR AGA

[OneDummHikk]

Originally Posted by drdude05

I do have some design limitations. I would like this to be an in sump skimmer as I don't have room for an external skimmer. The foot print I can accomidate is 15" x 15" in the first chamber of my sump. I do have a center chamber in the sump that was supposed to be a fuge but it was never setup so there is a possibility of using it if a dual chamber skimmer is necessary. My height limitation is 31". I was thinking of a venturi setup and toying with the idea of a recirculating skimmer with a mag-drive or ehim as the recirc pump and feeding the skimmer with a smaller pump.

Of a mag or eheim, go with the eheim. I use mag pumps but mainly because I have them and don't want to spend money if I don't have to on another pump.

This design:
http://www.randystacye.com/diy_needle_wheel_skimmer.htm
was for a 135 or so tank medium stocked. I don't like the drain on it (I prefer a gate valve). You could do one like that but make it recirculating (which isn't hard to do, just a few extra fittings).
If it didn't handle the tank well enough, you could always add a second chamber to it and feed it from the first skimmer so that all the water went through both skimmer bodies.

Another option would be Stugrays five gallon bucket skimmer.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1386605
Not sure how it would work for you height wise though. I looked for dimensions and an ending to it but haven't found it. I know how he made the dome for it, the rest is simply off-the-shelf stuff or stuff you would already have.

Or, did you want something that looks like you bought it at the store? Nothing wrong with it if you do, just have to find some different designs for you.

[OneDummHikk]

Originally Posted by nuke314

I was just looking at DIY skimmers. I was really impressed with reef central, DIY, Snailmans. I am seriously thinking about building a 4" for my new 90 RR AGA

Link to it? I think I remember seeing Snailmans but can't find it now

[Hop]

I'll sell you mine while I buy a MSX300

[OneDummHikk]

Get to Florida and look me up Hop

[nuke314]

Reef central is down for back up right now. I will try and post the link later.

[drdude05]

Or, did you want something that looks like you bought it at the store? Nothing wrong with it if you do, just have to find some different designs for you.

I would like to see some of these designs if possible. I like the look of the first skimmer design that you linked first, but I would like to see a few other designs if you have them.

Thanks for all your help!

[Hop]

Think outside the norm

http://glassbox-design.com/2008/the-...-level-of-diy/

[OneDummHikk]

Originally Posted by drdude05

I would like to see some of these designs if possible. I like the look of the first skimmer design that you linked first, but I would like to see a few other designs if you have them.

Thanks for all your help!

The Matrix Skimmer that Hop linked to is incredible. As for different designs, the main difference between one that looks store bought and one that looks DIY homemade is going to be the body and how you construct it. Whether you use PVC couplings/caps for the bases and stuff or whether you fabricate a lot of it.

Most of the links I have to other skimmer builds/designs are on RC. I can post individuals but most of them can be found in archives:
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...5&pagenumber=2

[aquariajunky]

im looking for a skimmer design for the same or a little more water volume, as for height 7 foot would be the limit and i dont want it in the sump, whats the best route for me to go?

[Fat Tony]

no more than 30" IMO unless you want to go with a Beckett with a high wattage pressure rated pump. How big is your tank?

[OneDummHikk]

Originally Posted by aquariajunky

im looking for a skimmer design for the same or a little more water volume, as for height 7 foot would be the limit and i dont want it in the sump, whats the best route for me to go?

I will find the two threads that show how the volute was made for the Laguna pump and - hopefully - a build thread to show how he built the body but the Matrix skimmer is just plain incredible:

http://glassbox-design.com/2008/the-...-level-of-diy/


This thread has the volute in it on page 36. I gave up trying to find the thread where he built the body of it. If you have the patience/time to read all 435-50 pages of that thread, it shows how to make a new volute for the pump using PVC parts.

As for height, I agree with Tony. Limit your height to 28-30" or you are going to have to go to a pressure rated pump to handle the head pressure.