Building a Skimmer?

[torbett]

I'm wanting to know if anyone has built an intank or hang on skimmer for a 20 gal tank. I'm looking to build instead of buying (maybe cheaper, but a lot funner). If anyone has a design that is simple, could you please post them. I would like a hang on, just for the looks of the tank, but an intank design would do me well also.

Thank you.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Small hang on skimmers are likely best served by airstones. Do you have local fish stores that have that type of skimmer, you may be able to get some ideas.

In any case a
simple acrylic tube to make the body and cup
acrylic scrap to make a small box
a small minijet pump
an airpump

Are about all you need. The pump would sit just inside the tank and pump water into the tube. The airstone would provide the bubbles and the output would use an adjustable "repair coupling" to fine tune the water height in the skimmer.

A look at any of the popular hang ons (excaliber, CPR, etc) will give you some ideas.

Cheaper? Likely not, but then again most DIY ends up costing more than the real deal.

I am sure others here have some input as well as possible designs.

Bean

 

[Pbrown3701]

i think airstone is a good choice for that size tank.