DIY Skimmer Question

[bkennedy]

I have some 4.5 inch diameter acrylic tube that is about 24 inch's in length and I was thinking of building a AquaC EV series type skimmer. My question is that all of the skimmers of that style that I have seen, have a tower made with 6 inch diameter tube or larger. Would there be a performance issue by using the 4.5 inch tube and making the tower taller to make up for the volume loss.

Thank you for any help..

[Steven Pro]

I think we should probably clarify a few things first. Namely, what size tank do you intend to run this DIY skimmer on? Secondly, what style of skimmer do you want to make? You say Aqua-C, but Aqua-C uses a patented spray injection technology. Very few people have tried to DIY these. A similar outward appearance would be a downdraft or beckett style skimmer. See here for an explanation of the different kinds of protein skimmers,
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/proskimrart2.htm

[Randy]

Steven Pro,

I’ve read “Power Head Impression, by Steven Pro” and always wanted to ask you something about that.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i4...ower_Heads.htm

In you assessment RE: Marineland Penguins you state:
“The other interesting option with these powerheads is the needle wheel that is included to regulate the injection of air into the water stream coming from the pump.”

Is this true that Marineland Penguin power heads come with a “needle wheel” impeller or is that a typeO for “needle valve”? I have never seen what that impeller looks like. I’ve searched the manufacturer’s web site and nowhere is that mentioned.

[bkennedy]

This skimmer will be used on a 240 w/ a 55 sump. Have contacted AcuaC about seeing if I can get a replacement injector from them and they told me that I could, but I have also looked at using a Beckett injector as well. So I guess I am undecided on which route I will go with. I was just concerned on whether I could use the acrylic tube that I already had.

Thanks, Brad

[ANGRY JOHN]

a diy aqua c type of skimmer would be the hardes to repilcate because few people are doing it as far as i know. i like the idea because the pump size is much smaller than that required for a becket style. i have seen a lot of skimmers built to replicate the pm bullet and the mrc-1. this seems to be the most common and there are diy plans on snailmans website. if you plan to do this please post pics and let us know how its going and any problems ideas you come up with as i would be very intrested in any sucess in replicating this type of skimmer. thanks
pics rule..

[Steven Pro]

Steven Pro,

I’ve read “Power Head Impression, by Steven Pro” and always wanted to ask you something about that.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i4...ower_Heads.htm

In you assessment RE: Marineland Penguins you state:
“The other interesting option with these powerheads is the needle wheel that is included to regulate the injection of air into the water stream coming from the pump.”

Is this true that Marineland Penguin power heads come with a “needle wheel” impeller or is that a typeO for “needle valve”? I have never seen what that impeller looks like. I’ve searched the manufacturer’s web site and nowhere is that mentioned.

That is a typo. It should read needle valve. I will have to have the guys fix that.

[Randy]

That is a typo. It should read needle valve. I will have to have the guys fix that.

Shoot ... I thought that was what it was supposed to say. It took me by surprise when I read it.

[bkennedy]

I will keep everyone posted on what I decide to do and post pics as I go.. I think I'm leaning more toward the AquaC type as I think that it will run a little more quieter than the Beckett style.

Thanks

[mungus728]

FWIW I run a beckett and it is silent. A properly made beckett will not make noise. You will get more noise from the pump.

Brian

[smidoid]

FWIW I run a beckett and it is silent. A properly made beckett will not make noise. You will get more noise from the pump.

Brian

What's a Beckett? I like the idea of a silent thingy.

As for patented designs, you only have to look the patent number up on the web and you'll have pretty much everything you need to make your own <insert invention here>. Of course, you can't commercially exploit someone else's design, and in some cases you may need special materials or tools, but there's nothing to say you can't use it for some DIY project.

Here's the skimmer I'm studying for DIY:

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6436295.html