My DIY skimmer build, tips?

[FraggledRock]

So as the title dictates I am attempting to build my own protein skimmer I'm using PVC I'm using a reek reef octopus style design I'm looking at a few DIY designs but I kind of came up my own there's anything anyone can notice that may cause problems with the design let me know

I still need to plumb the return pump and the ball valve on the outlet side I still need to also seal the top part of my design allows for a removable skimmate cup at the top

 

[FraggledRock]

I also need to send the pipe in the main chamber lower than the inlet pipe inside the chamber

The chamber is much taller than it appears in the photo as well lol

 

[FraggledRock]

 

[FraggledRock]

I guess no one cares lol

I wonder if I get a response if I add LED's? Lol

 

[TreyK]

Why didn't you use uniseals? Would have been a lot cleaner than gobs of silicone I would think

 

[FraggledRock]

Why didn't you use uniseals? Would have been a lot cleaner than gobs of silicone I would think

Because this is the first time i heard of it lolol

Where can i get them?

 

[mmn]

Because this is the first time i heard of it lolol

Where can i get them?

BRS has them.

 

[karimwassef]

None of the images show up?

 

[jamie1981]

None of the images show up?

ditto here

 

[FraggledRock]

Thats weird. They were working this morning...

 

[FraggledRock]

Weird RC started blocking tiny pic. In one word

Here is the first cleaning and checking

Looks like it is producing adequite skimmate







One thing that i forgotvto mdntion was having a wood bubbler stone inside the main chamber

 

[FraggledRock]

So 5 days after break in and this looks like some nice skimmate!

How is this for a DIY simmer?

 

[Fudz Cwerner]

I would love to see the build pics, but they dont show up. Only the last couple showing the end result and skimate.

 

[FraggledRock]

I would love to see the build pics, but they dont show up. Only the last couple showing the end result and skimate.

Yea thats RC Blocking tiny pic in the URL.

Ill try to repost today

 

[FraggledRock]

I would love to see the build pics, but they dont show up. Only the last couple showing the end result and skimate.

here ya go!

 

[Mantispunch]

That looks like a great project . Does it still work?

 

[FraggledRock]

That looks like a great project . Does it still work?

Yes I am getting more and heavier skimmate as it is "breaking in"

Yesterday I took the removable top off for inspection an the inside tube leading to the collection cup is completely layered in that greenish/grey film, which I am assuming is the they way they finally get running right and pulling solid skimmate to the top of the collection cup.

I was planning a version 2.0 which I can video the development to my design.

it uses inexpensive tools/equipment and gets great results!

 

[Mantispunch]

I think using your own design is really interesting. Once I get my tank together, I would love to make my own skimmer. Thank you for posting your project

 

[tkeracer619]

One of the better performing skimmers i have seen used a 5gal bucket and a wood airstone. Good work. The silicone might not last very long but who cares you still get internet points.

 

[Mantispunch]

make sure you take pictures of your second build so we can see your changes and progress