4" DIY PVC Recirc Skimmer TOTW 5-18-07

[Randy]

I’m almost finished building this skimmer. The reaction chamber is 4” PVC. The bottom is sealed using a 4” rubber end cap. The cone is simply a modified/shortened 4” to 2” reducer coupling. Modified/shortened 2” Union for easy collection cup removal. I used 2” clear PVC for the riser in the collection cup. The cup itself is simply a clear container with a lid. I used a GenX-1500 NW pump as the recirc pump.

Modified Reducer Coupling:


This is the finished body of the skimmer:


Cut holes and installed Uniseals:


Before and after shortening the recirc unions:



Installed the recirc pump, modified unions and plumbing:


Here’s how I will be inducting air. I just drilled, threaded and screwed in a 1/4” barbed fitting:


More to come I just have to tap into the overflow and install the feed line to the skimmer.

[wozza]

lookin' good!

[CSeaSee]

I'm sure I'm just missing it... how does the water leave the skimmer?

[Randy]

It's not done yet
The water leaves the skimmer through the larger vertical stand pipe. The stand pipe shown in the pics is actually going to be replaced with a 'repair coupling'. A repair coupling slides up and down to create an adjustable stand pipe. This is a repair coupling:


I'm sort of trying to replicate the approx dimensions of this Octopus skimmer:


This skimmer uses a valve to make adjustments to the water level within the skimmer.

[Randy]

Well this skimmer has been finished for a couple weeks now and it's been working greate.

Here's a link to the web page:
DIY 4" Needle Wheel Skimmer

[scubadude]

Well this skimmer has been finished for a couple weeks now and it's been working greate.

Nicely done Randy let us know when you get the breakdown of the costs.