Manual Skimmer wiper

[oblio]

Due to my skimmer performance being good if I clean the inside neck for about 2 days, then drops off. I dislike removing this thing and cleaning it so often. I came up with a simple wiper idea, I attached the wiper to the top of the skimmer lid, then I simply reach in and turn the top a few revolutions and the slime is wiped off. This has resulted in the skimmer working consistently everyday for the first time.

I cut the wiper blade off before the picture but you get the idea here, I found a dust pan at the dollar store that had a nice rubber lip.
https://carousel.dropbox.com/photos/cc/yvSnwqboLgvuYQy

blade with holes:
https://carousel.dropbox.com/photos/cc/XJ323YxXl6D4Eb4

Printed a holder with a friends 3d printer out of ABS and attached it to the blade:
https://carousel.dropbox.com/photos/cc/ej4GR4aRCzLNpWB

Attached to lid, sloted holes so I could move the blade just to the right place:
https://carousel.dropbox.com/photos/cc/uSGoVVvnd1ZOF7e

Ready to go!
https://carousel.dropbox.com/photos/cc/vhNfNKL0vVCkn6Q

and we are running!
https://carousel.dropbox.com/photos/cc/Uyb9aW8Gxdh300p

been a few weeks, must say this really changed the overall performance of the skimmer, when you clean it the skimmer takes a bit of time to come back "on" per say. Using the wiper it just stays running.
Next project is going to be to print an entirely new lid, with a gear pattern on the outside lip of the lid, then using a small stepper motor turn the lid automatically. I have a standard 90 and I have about 1/4" between the skimmer lid and the tank bottom, so its just enough to sneak the lid assembly out to clean it.

 

[Pdubss]

That's awesome

 

[Electus unus]

What's up with this printed lid...

 

[rwb500]

good idea joe! i just finally bit the bullet on a swabbie, but i would have done something like this years ago if I had thought of it.

 

[AdamPLawrence]

very creative. i like it

 

[rfgonzo]

Pretty creative and seems like a good idea, my only question is how often do you rotate it to clean the gunk? I would be concerned with the nasty stuff dropping back in the skimmer. Any issues with this happening?

 

[rwb500]

the nasty stuff will not escape the skimmer, especially if you wipe frequently.

 

[oblio]

What's up with this printed lid...

I'm still working on the drawing for it, probably gonna be a month or so, I have another idea I want to work thru then I'm going to work on the 3d printed lid with gear drive and built in wiper assembly.

Pretty creative and seems like a good idea, my only question is how often do you rotate it to clean the gunk? I would be concerned with the nasty stuff dropping back in the skimmer. Any issues with this happening?

As I check on the sump area a few times a day, I simply spin the lid when I'm there a few revs each time. The gunk does not seem to drop back in, I was slightly worried also, mostly it sticks to the blade and the bubbles grab it again and it gets skimmed.

the nasty stuff will not escape the skimmer, especially if you wipe frequently.

This seems to be a true statement from what I've witnessed.

Thanks all for the comments, I really think the skimmer manufactures have missed the boat on this as it really does seem to make the skimmer work very consistently day-to-day. Something that was not happening before.

 

[rwb500]

i think eventually one of the big skimmer makers like Vertex will find a way to include a motorized wiper for only $50 extra or so, and they will become commonplace. all it would take is enough volume to keep the prices low.

 

[MM393]

That is brilliant, great idea.

 

[2000r]

How do you make it turn?
You should post a video....thats nice!

 

[ca1ore]

good idea joe! i just finally bit the bullet on a swabbie, but i would have done something like this years ago if I had thought of it.

Swabbie (or any neck cleaner) works really well. Problematic if, like the OP, you have no clearance for the motor. Some kind of gear/chain drive would be cool to see.

 

[jmm]

http://www.marinedepot.com/Vertex_V...mers-Vertex_Aquaristik-VX10100-FIPSAC-vi.html