protien skimmer

[bb72]

I had a seaclone protien skimmer, and everyone said that it was not worth the money spent. So I built one with 1/4 inch acrylic, WOW, I never realized how much foam could come out of this skimmer! I am going to have to make my collection cup two times bigger. I have a question though, with all the foam I am getting I only filled about a quarter of a one liter bottle in a weeks time is that good or not? Also I have had to clean the collection cup and the outside of the skimmer three times in a week, my water has completely cleared up too.

[Brian35]

If you have the step by step on the build or a photo could you post them to the DYI section. Also what was your cost?

Thanks

[Reefland]

A good skimmer can make a really big difference. People that use less expensive skimmers see skimmate sure, but nothing compared to a good skimmer. Good skimmers will produce very, very smelly product and often. We use a large plastic cup to collect waste and it gets emptied at least once per week.

[bb72]

Brian 35,

I dont have a digital camera anymore and I cant get a good enough picture with my phone camera. It is kind of difficult to explain step by step, it is a pretty complicated fabrication. The total cost of the skimmer was $43.29.

Reefland ,

The foam that is created is full of a mucus like substance and has a very bad odor, I can pick up a handful of the foam and it feels like slimey soap bubbles. One more question though, is it possible to "over" skim? The collection cup is 4wx8Lx8h, and it is always completely full and most of the time I can pull a handful or two off of the top of it.

[Brian35]

Is this an HOT skimmer?

[bb72]

Brian35

No, I built it into my sump. It is in the corner of my inflow compartment and I drilled the sump for drainage. It could easily be made into a HOT skimmer though. If I can find a battery for my camera I will take a picture of it for you.

[Reefland]

One more question though, is it possible to "over" skim?

That is a debately question for sure.

Some people think that skimming heavily will remove too much of the desired trace elements found in our aqauriums and remove planktonic food from the water. I am of the opinion that the possible negative affects are far out weighed by the positive affects; a very low nutrient system.

[mike88camaro]

If you have the step by step on the build or a photo could you post them to the DYI section. Also what was your cost?

Thanks

Brian35, Go to this site and read through the whole thread and you will learn how to put together your own Skimmer for under $60.

Reefland, Please dont be mad cause I am trying to help out another broke hobbyist. I am no way trying to step on anyones toes. Someone helped me out so I just want to return the favor.

Brian35, you need to read through the whole thread ok... I made two of this for my 29 gal tank.
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/show...r&pagenumber=1