Acrylic

[fishamajiggle]

DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE TO BUY CLEAR PVC OR ACRYLIC TUBING 4 INCH OD BY ABOUT 6 FEET?. oops sorry the caps was on. i want to start a diy skimmer project and want to know where i can get this stuff locally.

thanks
Dan

 

[Corpus Callosum]

I've always ordered online.. www.usplastics.com

 

[fishamajiggle]

thanks for the link. i want to build a 6 foot counter current skimmer. should i go with the airstone counter current skimmer. or is their any other suggestions. i figured a 6 foot 4 inch wide chaimber with 3 wood airstones run by a luft air pump. want to do clear pvc so it looks better. suggestions are welcomed.

 

[dougwilliams]

If you search back a few pages - maybe a month or two ago in this forum I posted pics of a pre -assembled exploded view and fully assembled version of Greg's counter current skimmer (captivereef). Mine was about the same thing - about 6 feet tall- 4 inch PVC etc.

I did mine all plain white PVC --- airstone driven etc etc...

 

[Reefist]

I converted a Venturi Top Fathom 300 for use with 3 air stones and 1 luft wasn't enough. I used 2. I think the diameter was 6" by 4' .

Tom

 

[fishamajiggle]

how does the counter current skimmer work for you. i want to get as much skimmate as i can from my 125 gal. i currently have a mtc counter current skimmer and it works pretty well. do you feel it is good as a store bought skimmer?

 

[Corpus Callosum]

airstone/counter current skimmers are simple enough.. personally I'm going to build a needle wheel recirculating skimmer and see how much trouble it gives me. beckett is out of my league of diy for now.

 

[Reefist]

I have an ETS800 running on my 120 now and additionally I have had the converted TF skimmer. I am also setting up a new Reef room in my basement which has a 70G sump and 30 G refugium.
And soon a new 210.The sump is filled with LR and running . That setup is running an MRC-3 beckett stlye skimmer. I like the skimmate of the TF the best but it only worked good for the first two weeks after cleaning and changing airstones. The ETS sucks ,it never works the same way twice after each cleaning but it is 8 YO. The new MR-3 works great. It maintains it production with weekly cleanings. All in all I've seen beautiful, I mean stunning SPS tanks ,kept with CC skimmers. Maintainence is key.
HTH
Tom

 

[fishamajiggle]

i will keep you posted with pics when i get my material.

thanks

dan

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

DIY Skimmer

DIY Skimmer

When you get a price on the material let me know. I have an old Klaes skimmer sitting in the back that will do for a CC model.
7 1/2 " Diameter 60' tall overall. Motor removed & hole for it covered. Watertight. Hate to tell you what I paid for it & then found out what it would cost to replace motor. :bum:

 

[fishamajiggle]

apon doing more research i am thinking of going with a beckett style injector. i am trying to locate more links to build a beckett style. I have located a guy on (e-bay) that sells the whole injectior for like $20.00 i just need to understand the principles before i try it. if anyone has diy plans for beckett style skimmers i would love to get my hands on em.

thanks for the help
Dan

 

[Reefist]

I don't think there is much to it. Just the bells and whistles are the
hard parts, slots of removable cups and what not. Check out this link to see pics
http://www.myreefcreations.com/psstandard-r.htm

Tom

 

[fishamajiggle]

yea i can see the pics. i want to know what the water has to do after going through the injector. i know it goes into the acrylic box but where in reference to the reaction chaimber. where does the gate valve have to go . I have to get specifics before I even attempt this. I would hate to spend the money and end up with something that dont work.

how many injectors per gallon ect. ect.
flow rates
all the details.

 

[Reefist]

I did a yahoo search and there is some information but I didn't weed through it. But I think your best bet for these kind of questions is here http://www.reefcentral.com/diy/ .
HTH
Tom

 

[Reefist]

Actually this is pretty good.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=131865

I'm still looking

Tom

 

[fishamajiggle]

great stuff. i liked the second link. i will try to do something like this.i have to round up some materials within the next few weeks and ill start the construction. i also have a friend that has a shop where i can use his drill press and band saw.

 

[Reefist]

Great. Make sure you post your progress or project to inspire someone else.
Tom

 

[fishamajiggle]

of course, I am going to industrial plastics today in manhattan to look for some acrylic.

i will post progress.

thanks
Dan

 

[keefsama2003]

i have a 5ft counter current skimmer at 4" iam and 1 luft isnt enuff i am going to be getting a second and adding 3 more airstones to it for a total of 6.

3 right now make a good amount of skimmate but i want more esp since its going to be a Fowlr with large fish.


captive reefs skimmer is great.

i have posted pics of mine also

 

[fishamajiggle]

i went to industrial plastics today. all i can say is amazing. great prices, and i got my weld on #4 and the applicator. plus 6 foot of 6 inch clear and 6 foor of 4 inch clear for around $100.00. not bad (in stock) and the circle cutouts for top and bottom of the collection cup. I didnt pick up the material today. but I will be back in a week or so when the $$$ situation is a little better. and off we go.