DIY Square Skimmer

[jd]

I though it might do better in more water, every inch its outta water is that much harder the pump as to work.

The bulkhead are just a 1/2" coupler sawed in half so the pipe can slide all the way through. Glue the ring on, slide on the oring, put that through the hole in the acrylic, install the other oring, apply a little glue and slide the other ring on, pressing them together to form the seal. It is permanent, but it seals well and still lets me rotate the pipes. Uniseals may work, but I think they require a larger hole.

[lazylivin]

I got to get over to see the MDS-75, it looks like quite a cool contraption.

[HUNGER]

very nice

[jd]

I got to get over to see the MDS-75, it looks like quite a cool contraption.

I should be free the middle of this week, I'll shoot you a PM.


Thanks Dave.

[Rbunk13]

Hey jd I have 2 of these skimmers from a current solana tank. They reminded me of yours. You are welcome to borrow one to maybe get some more ideas.

[HUNGER]

cool

[cyberwollf]

Well despite my scaling of the volumes for differnt pump sizes, This one still came out too small for my mag7.  I just swapped it back to a mag5 impeller and it works great.  I will leave it to break in while Im out of town this week.  It will probably be up for sale soon.  Im on my 3rd iteration of trying to size one correctly for my mag7.  First one was too big and mag7 wouldn't run it, this one is too small (mag5 seems to work great). for reference (hard to see in the pic) the foam head starts right below the neck transition.  Tons of foam, and the body is solid white from micro bubbles.



PM me if you are interested in the skimmer body, super cheap.

[jd]

Wait, whats wrong with this one?

[cyberwollf]

Too small for my mag7 (perfect on mag5)  I'd like to build one that will work with my mag7 so that I am getting the most for my investment in the mag7 impeller.  Otherwise this one seems to work great. already pulling stuff less than an hour in.  I think it is in the ballpark of the bigger AquaC remoras.  good for <100 Gallon tank

[HUNGER]

looks like it works good i would just keep it like that

[reefman]

Very nice!!

[jd]

I just stopped by and had a look, its looks great and is skimming already. Well done Wes.

[ghurlag]

I am well pleased, except with Wes's infatuation with the Mag7...  But then again, if it keeps him pumping out skimmers, then who am I to argue. 

Wes, I support you in your quest for perfection.  Onward my friend!  And stay thirsty!

[chromiumlux]

So, all in all how much did it cost ya to build?

[cyberwollf]

The acrylic is Almost negligible. The PVC is about $10 I think, then it's the 5 hours of labor or so. Whatever pump you want to use

[reefman]

Nice skimmer, very interesting idea!

[stifrk]

what about installing a small drain plug/valve so that it makes it easier to clean?  Have an airline hose or something hooked up to it and just drain the junk out into like a coke bottle or something.

[cyberwollf]

what about installing a small drain plug/valve so that it makes it easier to clean?  Have an airline hose or something hooked up to it and just drain the junk out into like a coke bottle or something.

I posted this awhile back 

i think Im done with the whole drain tubes.  If your cup is full, its time to clean the skimmer!

Although I am rethinking the convenience.  It would make it easyer to drain, but anytime it needs to be drained you really need to clean it.