hahnmeister
In Memoriam
I used monowire/fishing line. Its low profile enough that it wont rub.
DIY Red Dragon Pumps, gathering ideas.
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mgranato
New member
I bought a 1500 to build a new skimmer around. What I've got in mind is a pyramid shaped skimmer roughly a size between the ATB small and medium. I'm planning on a 9" base 13" tall, 5" neck 12" long, and a 6" bubble plate. Basically my version of a ATB except with a pyramid body. If those dimensions sound good, I'd like some guidance on the pump. I'll be making a larger volute, something in the 3" x 1.5" size. What should the proper intake/output pipe sizes be for a skimmer this size?
miwoodar
Likey the bikey
mgranato - do you have a target scfh yet for your 5" neck? With a target of 65lph/in^2 of neck that comes to 1275 lph (45 scfh).
I'm planning a skimmer based on the PJ5000 (1640gph). I've set my target scfh at ~70 through a 6" neck. Mind you, I haven't modded any of these pumps yet but from reading this thread it seems like 70 scfh is a reasonable expectation without pushing the pump too hard. I would like to hear the guru's thoughts on this and whether you and I might be better off going with the 5" or the 6".
A new PJ5000 just went through e-bay the other day without any bidders. Someone could have won it for $1 and paid $20 to ship. Of course, the Max Flow 1500 would be preferred because then you wouldn't have to contend with the brass bushing but I haven't found any of these for less than $185.
I'm planning a skimmer based on the PJ5000 (1640gph). I've set my target scfh at ~70 through a 6" neck. Mind you, I haven't modded any of these pumps yet but from reading this thread it seems like 70 scfh is a reasonable expectation without pushing the pump too hard. I would like to hear the guru's thoughts on this and whether you and I might be better off going with the 5" or the 6".
A new PJ5000 just went through e-bay the other day without any bidders. Someone could have won it for $1 and paid $20 to ship. Of course, the Max Flow 1500 would be preferred because then you wouldn't have to contend with the brass bushing but I haven't found any of these for less than $185.
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mgranato
New member
Don't have a target scfh in mind. I've got roughly 200 gallons that I need to skim, and based on all the threads I've read, I THINK the 12 x 5" neck will do the job. But I do hope to get some help on pipe sizing with this pump run with mesh. I got my pump from AZponds, if you go through the check out process it is in the $130 range vs. the posted $185 - at least it was a couple weeks ago.
miwoodar
Likey the bikey
I think we need to determine our scfh before we choose our neck diameters. I've seen Hahn recommend 50-70 lph/in^2 of neck and other trusted resources here on RC recommend 60-70. Choosing 65 lph/in^2 of neck the results are as follows:
2" --- 204.1 lph / 7.2 scfh
3" --- 459.2 lph / 16.2 scfh
4" --- 816.4 lph / 28.8 scfh
5" --- 1275.6 lph / 45.0 scfh
6" --- 1836.9 lph / 64.9 scfh
8" --- 3265.6 lph / 115.3 scfh
I can't give advice on your body dimensions other than to say that the body that I am making will be ~7.4 gallons not including the cone or the neck. I'm a little concerned about the very low residence time in the skimmer. If the pump puts out 1000 gph after mods the pass time will be only 24 seconds. Hmmm....I guess this is the way some of these high end skimmers are made these days. Maybe their designers know stuff that goes against the traditional 1.5 to 2 minute pass time? Still, I would like it to be higher. Have you seen anyone comment in terms of expected gph after the pump has been modded? I've seen guestimated ratios but never any test results.
2" --- 204.1 lph / 7.2 scfh
3" --- 459.2 lph / 16.2 scfh
4" --- 816.4 lph / 28.8 scfh
5" --- 1275.6 lph / 45.0 scfh
6" --- 1836.9 lph / 64.9 scfh
8" --- 3265.6 lph / 115.3 scfh
I can't give advice on your body dimensions other than to say that the body that I am making will be ~7.4 gallons not including the cone or the neck. I'm a little concerned about the very low residence time in the skimmer. If the pump puts out 1000 gph after mods the pass time will be only 24 seconds. Hmmm....I guess this is the way some of these high end skimmers are made these days. Maybe their designers know stuff that goes against the traditional 1.5 to 2 minute pass time? Still, I would like it to be higher. Have you seen anyone comment in terms of expected gph after the pump has been modded? I've seen guestimated ratios but never any test results.
mgranato
New member
Color me backasswards then, my neck is built @ 5 x 12, lol. From what I understand, the neck length also has something to do with the amount of air it can handle. I know this will be an upgrade from my Sedra driven ER-CS-2, but I'm not really get the max because I know this pump can do way more than my system has to offer it. Your observations seem to be dead on with the contact time, it definitely seems to be what all the kids are using these days.
I do need to get a Kill-a-watt and an air meter, do you know which meter is the best to use for our purposes?
I do need to get a Kill-a-watt and an air meter, do you know which meter is the best to use for our purposes?
Young Frankenstein
New member
has anyone use a ventury aerating directly on the volute ? instead of the input?
hahnmeister
In Memoriam
That usually does not work as well because then you do not get a venturi effect on the air inlet... not to say for sure that it WONT WORK as well, since there are areas within the volute that are moving the water at extreme velocities... I just doubt you will hit the air intake numbers that a regular venturi input will.
hahnmeister
In Memoriam
I will... just give me a little time to catch up on everything...
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