Tuning DIY Skimmer

MACDad · 01-02-2006, 07:38 AM

Help!!

I built a skimmer like the one on Mantled Monster. It is about 42 inches tall. i have it powered with a Mag 7 and 1/2" kent venturi.

I can't get it to produce foam. I had a few times where it produced small amounts, but it never reached the top of the collection tube. It has been running for 3 days now. I am very frustrated. Any help on tuning would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Fred

Geoff · 01-02-2006, 07:58 AM

Welcome to TRT!!

can you post a pic of the skimmer? how is your outlet designed? do you have a valve on it, or are you using the slide expansion joints? is there any restrictions on the airflow into the venturi? do you have the venturi on backwards?

all kinds of problems it can be, but we can figure it out.

G~

Loverotties · 01-02-2006, 08:30 AM

Welcome to TRT!It mite take more then a week to break it in.

MACDad · 01-02-2006, 10:03 AM

I will attempt to upload some pictures.

The design...

It is powered by a Mag 7 pump. The venturi is on the horizontal plane following the pump. It is a 1/2" Kent. I am using the female end as the inlet. It is followed by a 90 elbow and then a ball valve. Then it enters the skimmer body. All plumbing on the inlet is 1/2" pvc.

The outlet is all 1" pvc. I am using a slide adapter to control the water level.

I am using air line tubing for the air intake of venturi. I have a cheap air control valve for restriction if needed.

At times, I get foam that will rise half way up the collection tube. After about 1/2 an hour, there is no more foam, and nothing in the collection cup. Just a lot of bubbling water in the skimmer.

Thanks,
Fred

Geoff · 01-02-2006, 03:40 PM

how long has the tank been setup?

it sounds like it is just breaking in. give it a couple of days. did you have a skimmer on it previously?

G~

MACDad · 01-02-2006, 05:15 PM

The tank has been running for about 4 weeks.

I did have a skimmer on it previously, but it was one of those little visi-jet skimmers. I will give it a few more days.

Thanks for the support,
Fred

BTW...Geoff, your site is very helpful. Thank you for making it available for all of us aspiring DIYer's.

Booboo33062 · 01-25-2006, 02:05 PM

Mine is the same way. I don't have anything in the tank except water and sand though so I'm not concerned yet.
I have a mag 7 on mine too. I just like having it running. It started to skim good once and I wiped the inside of it out and now it doesn't do it any more. It will someday soon though.