My DIY Skimmer

[joshsmit56001]

I started a skimmer today because I didn't want to spend $300 on a skimmer. I used 4" pvc with 2 4" to 2" reducer pipes, 1 at the top of the skimmer and one as the collection cup. This has been very easy so far. The reaction chamber is around 27" tall and the total skimmer is roughly 35" with the cup. The only thing that I haven't done is cut the coles for the input and outputs. I am not sure where to drill the holes. If someone could help me with this that wouold be wonderful. I don't want to screw up the whole thing because i drilled the holes in the wrong spots. Also right now I have 1/2" input pipe and 1" output pipe. Let me know if this is the correct pipe size.

[joshsmit56001]

Also I am planning on use this pump for the skimmer.
http://www.championlighting.com/prod...cat=491&page=1

[joshsmit56001]

Maybe the gen-x 2400

[Little Luey]

Instead of drilling the holes on the body, why not using some "T"s?

I just finished mine, almost, and I used 3/4" PVC for both the inlet and outlet.

[Geoff]

i have found that Uniseals are great at what you want to do. i have found glueing pvc together through itself is a bit hit or miss. i prefer to either use Uniseals or actual Tee's like LL has suggested.

what air delivery method are you going to use?

G~

[joshsmit56001]

What do you mean by "t's". I don't get how you would use those. I am going use a needle wheel or venturi type air delivery.

[Geoff]

use 4" Tee fittings for the inlet and outlets.

how do you plan on connecting the inlets and the outlets? silly cone will not work. it will just fall off after 3 months.

i would put the outlet all the way at the bottom. if you are able to put a downward facing elbow inside the skimmer to get even closer that would be even better.

as for the inlet. if the inlet is just going to dump into the skimmer body than i would put it about half way up the skimmer body. if you are able to put an elbow in there also than i would point it sideways to get some swirling action going on in the skimmer. with a Mag 7 you could put the inlet about 3/4 of the way down the skimmer body and point i sideways at a slighly upward angle.

i perfer to use Mag drive pumps. either the 5 or the 7. since you are thinking of using 1/2" PVC than i would use the 7 with a 1/2" Kent venturi valve.

HTH,

G~

[joshsmit56001]

I think I am going to get a some uniseals. Might still go with the gen-x 2400

[joshsmit56001]

Here are some pictures of the skimmer in action. I had it running for over a day and nothing came up in the cup from the tank water I had just gotten. I even mixed up the water in the tank to get any settled detritus. After cleaning out my skimmer tonight I thought of the idea of adding to skimmate I had in a collection jug to the test water. Instant bubbles galore!!! This skimmer is going to be amazing. I have a Via Aqua 1300 pumping water with a DIY venturi that I got from someone on either here or reefcentral. I can't find the thread. I'll post if I find it. If you have questions just ask.

[joshsmit56001]

Here is the link to the DIY venturi I used

http://thereeftank.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49491

[Geoff]

that is some serious foam you have there!!!

G~

[joshsmit56001]

I was pretty happy with the results. I think I saved myself over $250.

[Reefer Dude]

Josh,

How tall is the skimmer, and what size tank is this going to be for? I am getting close to building a DIY skimmer, I am going to use a NW pump for mine along with a venturi. I was thinking 8" PVC instead (if I can find it). Looks like you did a gooj job, judging by the foam!

[joshsmit56001]

Mine is 4" PVC and the reaction chamber is 28" tall with a total height of around 35". I might eventually go with a different pump. Just using th via aqua that I had. We'll see once it gets set up on my 150 reef ready.

[Little Luey]

Very good job!!