DIY Mini Beckett

[prugs]

I think you copied the wrong address.

 

[vincent843]

thank prugs, vincent

 

[Zephrant]

Your water level in the sump might be a little high to get dry skimmate out of the skimmer.

Zeph

 

[vincent843]

I could raise the skimer for another 5". How about the behave of the foams, sometimes it stays low at the neck, sometimes it stay high, is it normal? thanks. vincent

 

[MrSpiffy]

Hey, Zeph. How'd that double-tube skimmer you mentioned earlier in this thread work out? Ever get that one built? It'd be interesting to see the performance on that one.

 

[Zephrant]

I had some issues with the first design of the double-tube. It's important to not have a the water path open up (like inside the box) and then neck down again (like to go up a center tube), or you get an air-lock.

So to keep it simple for double-tube setups, do two separate injection points in to the main tube.

 

[vincent843]

Hi Zephrant,
What is the total height of the skimer, and the hiegh of the mixing box? Thanks. Vincent

 

[wmfsoll2]

How would a becket skimmer work if it was square?

Bill.

 

[Cuby2k]

I'm a big fan of the beckett skimmer and after having fuddled with mine for the last 7 months I can tell you that only the BECKETT brand foamer will work. Well that's not a fair statement . . .I should say I found it to work better than any other foamer type pond head.

I can't see any reason why a square design wouldn't work, might be a bear to clean though.

Also I think a good way to minimize the bubbles from returning to the sump is to increase the height of the small tub that the foam tower attaches to.

As far as making it small to fit under a stand, I'd suggest using a different type of skimmer. The height is where I get mine to perform.

 

[schemo]

dude a blast from the past............did anyone actually seen when this thread started?!?!?!?!

 

[edub_50]

WOW, you're my HERO!!!

WOW, you're my HERO!!!

Awesome work Zeph, I've not seen work like that even in an auto body shop! I'm trying to put together a skimmer and I'm very interested in constructing the injector section complete with flanges and injector. Can you explain in some detail or perhaps even provide an idiot-proof diagram exactly how to put it together? Thanks and great work!

 

[Cuby2k]

I'd like to see a diagram like that too. I tried several iterations and ended up buying a beckett head and enclosure from MRC (I think). Saved a bunch of hassle and baby, it WORKS!

 

[jeffgp]

ok im thinking of trying my luck at this
the only thing im missing is the flanges inside the box
you said to direct them from the input of the beckett to the box and have the flanges made to force the water-air mix up the tube ?

 

[Zephrant]

There is only one baffle inside the box- One way is shown in the pictures- just a piece of acrylic that seals the top of the bottom to the bottom (and the one end) and extends out to the center of the mixing chamber. The idea is to force the water to head over to the mixing chamber and up it, before it can go out the exit bulkhead.

Edub- I don't have anything more than what I've posted handy anymore- any specific questions?

 

[jeffgp]

ok so your trying to block the water from just exiting the bulkhead right away .. and making it go more twards the tube first before it go out

 

[Joshua D Bak]

Just waiting on that DIY flange right-up. Also if anyone has any ideas on a cone shaped transition from the first column to the collection cup that would be great.

 

[Zephrant]

Jeff- Yep, that's the plan.

Joshua- The way I was doing it was risky if you are not already a machinist. And if you are, then you don't need my instructions. So no instructions coming from me on it.

I'd suggest using a jasper circle cutting jig- perhaps a little safer.

Zeph

 

[Joshua D Bak]

Is it possible to use a small rottary table clamped to a drill press table, or do you need a milling machine. I am searching for a used older mill and lathe but haven't found the proper size for the right $ yet. I guess you could say I have biginner machinist skills. I am a maint electrician and at my last job I worked 3rd shift. When the plant was running good I had a lot of free time and a very nice Bridgeport mill and large lathe to play with. I kind of taught my self. Still a lot to learn though!

 

[Zephrant]

A rotary table would be great- Just keep the material clamped down very well.