DIY protein skimmer

[USAF2W2]

Hey all. So, I did some research and reading and figured I'd go ahead and build my own protein skimmer just to give myself something to build and learn. I pretty much just took someone else's design and did the same thing, but I'm not totally sure exactly how it's gonna work. I have it built most of the way so far, except for the collection cup. It looks solid, and the concept seems to be correct, but since I have never built one before, and I'm not an expertise on the functions of skimmers, I though I'd see what you guys have to say and if everything is correct so far. thanks in advance to any idea's or criticism.

[Reefing Madness]

Look sound to me. Why don't you add a recuirclation pump in there before you set it up. How big of a tank is this going on? Is your pump mesh modded? If your just using a powerhead, its not going to chop up the water into fine bubbles, which is what you need.

[USAF2W2]

Thanks for the reply, and I apologize for the lack of pertinent information in my post. The skimmer I built (am building) is for a 12 gallon (I think??) nano tank and to answer your other question about the mesh mod....yes, I will be making the mesh mod for the power head, just haven't done it yet. My plan is to set up a small sump tank under the main tank so I can set the skimmer in there and maybe even have some more filtration as well. As for the recirculation pump added to the skimmer...how would I do that and what would the advantages be? Sorry if it's a dumb question, but I'm kinda new to the DIY protein skimmer world or whatever. =P thanks again and I'd appreciate any help or more recommendations

[Reefing Madness]

Since its just going on a 12 gallon, I believe that you are in good shape with just the mash mod.

[USAF2W2]

Alright, sounds good. Thanks again for your input. So you think the set up I have is good besides the mesh mod? I also heard of some guys using fishing line and/or the mesh mod. Any thoughts on that?

[Reefing Madness]

Alright, sounds good. Thanks again for your input. So you think the set up I have is good besides the mesh mod? I also heard of some guys using fishing line and/or the mesh mod. Any thoughts on that?

Yup, the fishing line is perfect. I use it myself. And yes, looks like you put it together well, shold be ok. with a normal powehead though, I dont think you'd be happy with it, it need to make micro bubbles, and normal powerheads are not set up for that.