DIY - Skimmer

[Boostable]

After finishing up my sump I have decided I want to build a new PS to handle the load and I need some advice.

I have read all over the net that taller is better as it gives more time for the particles to adhere to the bubble, which makes sense. However I want to keep the unit underneath in my stand so a 4' skimmer just isn't going to cut it.

So heres my plan..

I can get a maximum height of approx 28" with cup.

So my plan is to build two or three 4" skimmers in series. Would work something like this..

Pump --->In SK1 Out--->In SK2--->Out ---> return to sump..

I plan to use a counter-current for SK1 and a co-current for SK2, etc. "counter-current for SK3 if I do one"

Each would be approx 28" tall and will have a common collection area and single waste line.

I have also decided to go with the air stone setup to give me better control over the bubble density.

I will try and do a drawing later to give a better idea, but what do you think of the concept?

Thanks for any feedback..

Jack

[Boostable]

Ok.. here are a couple of QUICK drawings of what I had in mind. Now these are in NO WAY a representation of functionality, just for discussion pursposes only.


This is a dual skimmer setup "side view"





This is what I had in mind if I did a triple. It would function basicly the same as above, except the flow direction would be different and would be arranged in a triangle pattern.

This is the top view of a triple setup..



Let me know what you think.

Jack

[Reefland]

Hummm, not too sure but I don't see why it wouldn't work, at least to some degree. I wonder if it is needed though? With the proper designs skimmers can be short, look at the MRC models?

[Reefland]

http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/cat...c04ecb3ed022af

This guy is only 29" and is rated for 325, which it should be able to handle just fine.

[Boostable]

Did you see the price tag on that thing!!!! Thanks, that just gave me one more reason to build my own.. LOL

The reason I started thinking about this is because I read "and correct me if im wrong" that some particals can take up to 2 mins to "properly" bond with the bubble, so the longer the better. Hence the need for two in my situation.

Like I said, I have no history with different skimmer types so im all ears.

Thanks,

Jack

[Reefland]

Yeah but that was just an example. My MRC is not as tall either. I can't really respond to skimmer dynamics other than to say the longer the contact time the better. I think this is pretty effectively covered in modern skimmers though.

[Boostable]

Yes I think your right, and I am leaning toward a needle wheel recirculating skimmer. For low maintenance and effectiveness.

Im still torn on the two skimmers in series theory, but we will see.

Thanks,

Jack

[MISTERFIXIT]

Check out the Deltec type design, very efficient and low maint!
I've seen them work too cool.That's my next DIY skimmer.

Marc

[Boostable]

The Deltec is EXACTLY what im thinking....

I did some checking on pricing for the 12" pipe and MAN is that stuff expensive or what.... whew!!!! I can however get 6" locally pretty resonable.... Sooooo I had another idea that I want to some opinions on..

Bassiclly what I was considering was taking a 6" pipe and cutting it in half and putting in 4" panels inbetween the half pipes to make a 10" x 6" oval skimmer.

Feed it with the overflow and have two NW recirculating pumps at both ends. Dual risers and a big collection cup.. What do you think?

JW

[ANGRY JOHN]

setting up multiple skimmers seems way more work than its worth and a large skimmer might be overkill. a four or five inch dia skimmer should do the trick and make it as tall as possable. larger dia skimmers are for higher flow rates which require higher flow rate pumps to operate. i would recomend a recurculating style if you want independant control of air injection rate to flow threw rate. once constructed you will have to vary both rates to find out what works best for you. best of luck

[smidoid]

This one looks interesting and is a breeze to build. Used in at least one of the commercial designs - remora I think (but I'm newish to this so I'm probably wrong). ;-)

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