Dart threadwheel skimmer build

By looking at the pics of your skimmer, when you say 8 inches, you are also counting what is inside the collection cup? If so, I can easily do 12. I wasn't sure if what was inside the cup counted.
Can you post any recent pics of your skimmer?
 
Pics as requested!

Pics as requested!

[
Can you post any recent pics of your skimmer? [/B][/QUOTE]

DSCN2114.jpg
[/IMG]
DSCN2116.jpg
[/IMG]
DSCN2117.jpg
[/IMG]
 
you might wat to consider putting the diffuser all the way through the top of the box and have a grove that the tube sits in cut into the bottom plate of the box. it will give you a bigger diffuser chamber and will also make it easier to do amintaince in the lower part of the skimmer. the way it is now you cant get into the bottom box if you decided to change something. also are you planning on flanging the main tube anywhere? it will be a real P.I.A. to clean if you cant pull it apart. that is one down fall to the bubble king design. hard to clean.
 
Scott, with the way I plan to set up the pump, it doesn't matter how I set the diffuser, the feed will still be high. I don't think running the diffuser to the bottom will help me much. There will be a bulkhead (or speedfitting) inside the diffuser feeding the water to the body. Not to mention that without building a jig, I do not have the capability of cutting such a hole.
I do not plan to flange the main tube. I can easily reach the bottom. Can I get a flange at a reasonable price? Where? I would also need an O-ring that size and groove my top which again, I really may not have the capability to do. I was considering making an access hole in one of the side panels to give me access to the base for any changes I may need to make down there.
Your suggestions are helpful and I appreciate you helping me make this thing as good as it can possibly be.
chris
 
Chris I hope your idea works for you. Are you planning to have the intake and outlet from the pump open to the box. If so you may want to reconsider. You will have the pump in a position that will not take advantage of the closed bubble chamber. In all the skimmers that have a diffuser chamber, only the outlet is going into the bubble diffuser chamber. I think the pump will have a tendency to recirculate the water in the box instead of the rest of the body. This will probably cavitate the dart prematurely too. If I am not seeing the design properly, let me know.
 
Are you planning to have the intake and outlet from the pump open to the box. If so you may want to reconsider
Click to expand...
No. The output of the pump will be in the body (actually, the diffuser... think BK) while the input will be on the bottom of the box. I may start drilling and setting up the plumbing tomorrow. Again, I won't glue. It may become more clear to you as you see more assembled.
 
OK, I see it. What is the size of the diffuser can? The diffuser can should be at least 6 inches high. The dart puts out alot of water and bubbles!
 
sorry guys. The wife and I had a baby boy a few days ago, so the skimmer is obviously on the back-burner for now. I did make some improvements prior to him being born. First, I flanged the main body and neck so if it is too short, I can tag on an extra 12 inches to make the body taller. I also put in a side access panel so if there is a problem in the base, I can get in and fix it. Here are a couple of updated photos, without the flanges. I know it's tall, but it won't be under my stand, it goes in the basement with my sump. I just wanted my tank in the photo to show size.
fullshotR.jpg
[/IMG]
scale1.jpg
 
hows the skimmer doing.. i am trying to make a larger skimmer now.. goign to make an octogon skimmer since i have a sheet of 1/4 acyrlic.. i also have a 55 gallon drum but not sure how to attach a dome.. also is 15" wide and 48" tall reacton chamber good for the threadwheel or needle wheel dart? should i go wider and shorter? i can go any combo?> like 36" tall and 20" wide??? was not planning on making a box for it.. would that help? thanks for any info
 
Hey Buddy, how is the iwaki? Anyway, 15 inch is fine, but the bigger the better. Are you planning to use a diffuser? You don't have to have a box to use a diffuser. You will need to supercharge it with an Alita pump at the height you are talking about. Probably an AL60 would be good and bleed off what you don't need.
 
i fifugred an air pump for sure.. iwaki is good... thinking of selling and getting a sequence marlin.. but we shall see... I want to run a diffuser but not sure what one or how.. i think an octogon will be the best since acyrlic tub is so expensive and a sheet will be a lot eaiser to build... so hum.... 15" wide or wider.. choices choices.........
 
When you build the Octogon, make sure you put a LOT of weldon 16 on the inside of each panel joint for strength. You would be able to position the skimmer on it's side and fill the length of each joint generously with 16 and is should still dry looking nice....You'll probably go through 4 tubes of 16 though :-P
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

D
New- skimmer question
Replies
3
Views
1K
Guygettnby
Guygettnby
S
Small Sump Leak - Worth fixing?
Replies
1
Views
110
griss
griss
L
Adapting a Venturi to old reef octopus skimmer
Replies
2
Views
1K
wvned
wvned
S
Novice Aquarist - Sump & Equipment Questions
Replies
9
Views
304
wvned
wvned
K
Need help with Sicce MicraPlus Pump Mod for Fluval Evo 5 Tank
Replies
0
Views
172
kingyking888
K
Back
Top