Convert Beckett to Re-Circ Needle Wheel (help)

[Mapster]

Hello,

I want to convert my MR-2 skimmer to a needle wheel skimmer. I was wondering if anyone has done this and could post some pics / instructions.

Also would love some pump ideas. The more inexpensive the better. Would the Gen-X 6000 with needle wheel be a good pump for this app?

Never had a needle wheel skimmer, only beckett. Never really modified anything either so any help would be greatly appreciated.

I was thinking to split the return to the sump to feed the skimmer from the overflow, then tapping into the box to feed the pump and ito the riser for the output. Did this sound right?

Thank You
MAP

 

[xtrstangx]

IMO, I would sell the MR-2 and buy a premade needlewheel. Chances are you may get cash back in your pocket..

 

[Mapster]

True. But if my wife see's one more package delivered by UPS, I'm out the door. Profit or no profit. I've lied about so many things with this tank she would never believe me. Plus, it seems like something I could do in a day

 

[dattack]

I have never done on a becket body but how about put the output of the pump into the skimmer body and the input to where the becket injector would go within the square body.
For feeding the skimmer. You can again drill a hole near the riser/body to feed the line or drill a hole directly center of lid of cup with a PVC extending down to feed the skimmer.

 

[Charlie Davidson]

Map, I have made several becketts into N/W skimmers (sorry no MRC's). Only one was made r/c. (because it was very large and easy to do)
for standard skimmer, All I had to do was remove beckett and pipe a N/W pump into the 1" hole left from removing beckett.
The recir n/w one was done by mounting the pump discharge to hole left by beckett. then drilling hole in back of Box just about 1-1/2" above level of outlet and piping suction side of pump to it. My feed was a mag 5 piped high on skimmer box.
Gen-x pumps do create very fine bubbles as do OR's. (OR's need to be modded alittle more) Both are somewhat louder than sedras but that should not be a problem if you put up with a becketts noise.. I would think a gen-x 4000 (900gph) would be a good choice.

 

[Mapster]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

Charlie, from what I have seen I can use a standard hole saw and Uniseal's for the bulkeads. Is this how you did it?

Looks like you can buy the modded Gen-X pumps at Premium Aquatics. Do you know the inlet/outet size of these pumps (1/2"?)?

So you guys think putting the pumps discharge in the empty beckett opening would be better than tapping into the skimmer's riser?

Also, is there anything going on inside the skimmer box (baffles or such) that I should be looking out for when drilling?

Thanks Again
MAP

 

[Charlie Davidson]

I used a bulkhead (I do not like uniseals but have them on my ASM), there should be a Divider plate in the box. Standard hole saw. I believe its 3/4" fittings, but you can ask them on the Premium Aquatics forum.. He's fairly quick to answer..

 

[Mapster]

Thanks again CD.

Also, how should I modify the output of the skimmer. I assume I have to use a loop of some sort, but how can I make it adjustable?

TIA
MAP

 

[Charlie Davidson]

Most hardware stores (in my area) sell a adjustable repair coupling for PVC pipe (sliding). works great..

 

[fallen4378]

i'm with xtrstangx sell your beckett and pump and go with something like an asm skimmer

 

[outy]

lol my ups goes to my moms house for that same reason