Let's see your DIY skimmer/venturi pumps

[Soultwater]

Looking for more experience modifying normal pumps for use as skimmer/venturi pumps.

I like the design of the skimmer impellers but get upset when companies try to rip me off when the normal impellers work fine. They mark up a pump 100 or even 200% just because it has a different style impeller. :thumbdown

I have used the below pumps for years with no ill effects to the pumps.
Rio 1700-2500 with a DIY Venturi
Mag5 pumps with DIY Venturi

I'll post a pic of one of my first DIY skimmers and pump tonight:wavehand:

 

[Soultwater]

My first DIY skimmer....

4 inch PVC all adapters/fittings purchased at LOWES
The main part that makes this work is the compression fitting on the return line so I can adjust the water height in the skimmer. Raising the return line would also cause the water level in the skimmer to go up.

The pump is a Rio(I have used 1700 - 2500) with a drilled a hole in the cover in front if the pump inlet. I then placed an airline in the hole and have the end of the airline placed in the suction side of the pump. I used a simple air tap to control the amount if air the pump could suck into the impeller.
The name on the skimmer came from a slightly elevated blood alcohol level and the fact that I only had 37 cents in my on my person at the time.
Note beer cans used as a reference for height only. Ii do not recommend or condone using any form of power tools or a digital camera while consuming adult beverages.

Best $20 I have ever spent at lowes