DIY Skimmer Question

[c9miles]

I am working on a DIY counter-current skimmer and I'm having problems getting the water back to the tank. I am running a small powerhead through an input hole in the upper side of the pipe, pushing the current against the bubbles. The output is at the bottom just below the airstone. However I can only get the output tube to a certain height before the pressure prevents it from flowing, and the water starts to fill into my skimmer cup. How do people get the water back up to the tank when they make DIY skimmers, without flooding everything? Also this isn't in a sump, it will be going strait from the tank, and back into the tank, and actually sitting on the desk behind it. Thanks.

Chad

[wharyat]

The output of the skimmer needs to be lower than the collection cup. So the highes part of the return pipe from the bottom of the skimmer has to be lower than where you want the water level in your skimmer. Also the level of water in the skimmer must be higher or equal to the level of water in the main tank.

HTH a little

[c9miles]

Actually the return pipe is at the bottom on the main tube, and the input is about 3/4 of the way up the opposite side....so the water will be flowing down, while the bubbles are flowing up toward the cup. I hope this makes sense. So the output and the input are both lower than the collection cup.

[c9miles]

Actually after reading it again, I think I understand what your saying. Thanks for the help.


Chad

[wharyat]

Did you get it working?

Have any pics?

[Loverotties]

Is it working?

[c9miles]

I haven't tried it yet on my tank...I was just doing a few test runs in the sink with a bucket. I still need to get an airstone. I will let you know how it works once I get it up and running. Thanks again for the help.


Chad

[c9miles]

I got the airstone, and it is up and running in my tank...however, I'm not getting any foam above the surface of the water? Why would this be? The only thing I can think is that my air pump isnt strong enough. When I blow in the tube, it creates a ton more bubbles than the pump and it starts to bubble on the surface. Could there be another reason? At this rate, I dont think anything will ever make it to the collection cup. Do I need a really strong pump? Thanks.

Chad

[wharyat]

If you put a valve on the return line, you can fine tune the level in the skimmer; when closing the level will rise since it can't evacuate the chamber as fast. Also you could try a bigger air pump.