Need some suggestions for big skimmer.

bobafet1

bobafet1

Active member
Hello, Ive started building a skimmer that will use a dart needlewheel pump. The main body diameter is 12" and is going to be 42" tall. I will use a 12" clear dome for the top part but I can't make up my mind as to the diameter of the riser tube. Anyone have any suggestions. I have 4" and 6" acrylic tubes at my disposal.
 
Lucky Duck!

I doubt that you'd want to use anything less than 4". I do not know what the precise ID of 4" acrylic is ... or if it is in fact 4".

I'm thinking more in terms of PVC and 4" sounds big enough to me. 6" sounds oversized.

I'm sure that the BIG skimmer builders here on RC would say that the neck diameter would depend on how much air you plan to put through this skimmer.
 
Im hoping to put as much air as possible into the darn thing. I have one of the new dart (orca) pumps and Im waiting for the venturi to arrive. 4" seems to be fine but I wonder if I should have a longer length with 4" versus a shorter with 6". 4" acrylic has an ID of 4".
 
Use either 5 or 6 inch. 5 inch if you can. The 4 inch won't handle the air the dart can produce. 4 in 1/8 tube is only 3 3/4 id. Sequence is saying the dart will pull 70+ SCFH with the new venturi at 36 inches height. I suggest you make the riser at least 10 inches tall. That way you can have better control over wet and dry skimming.
Mike
 
Id wait and see what the actual air flow is on the bugger, and then size it. You could go the full 6", but at that height, who knows what your lph might be... you might only need a 4'...
 
Thanks for the info guys. Would I need some sort of air flow meter to measure the air or can I just tell by looking at it?

Also, I think I should post pics of my skimmer and how I plan on making the sucker work. Although the body is going to be 42" tall the actual distance from top of the diffuser plate to the top of the skimmer body is going to be 26". Which brings me to my next question. How big should I drill the holes on my diffuser plate? Thanks again everyone for the input. I wouldnt be able to do half the stuff I would like if it wasnt for the support and knowledge of fellow reefers!
 
Here is a pic of my skimmer parts. The main tube is green PVC that I will clean up and paint a different color...next to it is the diffuser chamber....it is 10"X12" cylinder that will be proped on a 6" tube. this will be at the base of the skimmer. Although, I think 12" might be too high so I might cut it down a bit.
21211skimmer1.jpg
 
That would make a NICE collection cup. If you can get your hands on some PVC for a diffuser chamber ... you could save some money.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9377053#post9377053 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RandyStacyE
That would make a NICE collection cup. If you can get your hands on some PVC for a diffuser chamber ... you could save some money.
Click to expand...

I actually have one more for the collection cup. I got them as scraps at an acrylic supplier for only $10...that was the deal of the year.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9377788#post9377788 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by smjtkj
6 in tall will work for the diffuser chamber.
Click to expand...

THanks for the info..I'll start cutting the chamber...

Heres what Ive done since my last post...Ive made the key hole flanges for the riser tube and dome..glued the first riser tube to the top flange and now Im letting the bottom flange glue to the dome...this is what it looks like so far..

21211skimmer2.jpg
 
I ended up using the 6" riser tube but now that I look at the pic it seems like a bit large...oh well, thats what I get for trying to get this done quick...im sure it will still work though..
 
ok, now Im a bit concerned with the riser tube..the ID of the 6" tube is 51/2" while the 4" tube ID is 4.25"...I havent assembled the collection cup so I can still make a last minute change...does anyone have any insight into what I should do???...should I stay with 6" or go to 4"????
 
Here's an idea ... since you're evidently a pretty handy guy and made your key hole flanges yourself ... can you make one more for your 4" riser? You could stop building the upper portion of the skimmer and collection cup. In other words, don't get married to a 4" or 6" riser at this time.

When you finish the diffuser chamber, mounting the pump etc... you will be able to try out the 4" and the 6" riser separately. More importantly you can measure the amount of air this pump is drawing and make a more educated decision as to which riser to go with.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9383661#post9383661 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RandyStacyE
Here's an idea ... since you're evidently a pretty handy guy and made your key hole flanges yourself ... can you make one more for your 4" riser? You could stop building the upper portion of the skimmer and collection cup. In other words, don't get married to a 4" or 6" riser at this time.

When you finish the diffuser chamber, mounting the pump etc... you will be able to try out the 4" and the 6" riser separately. More importantly you can measure the amount of air this pump is drawing and make a more educated decision as to which riser to go with.
Click to expand...

Your right..I will do that today...thanks..now, I need to design the wetneck system....man, I wish this was easier.
 
Your first skimmer might not be hard, but its not easy either, Bob. I'm working on one myself, but I don't expect it to be my last. It's my first ever and I know I'll make misttakes. I'll fix it on the next one. :) Good luck!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

ClownBubbaJoe
Skimmer, TALL skimmer vs short under cabinet type ?
Replies
13
Views
898
BeanAnimal
B
revclyburn
Need some thoghts on skimmers
Replies
7
Views
560
Timfish
Timfish
adova
300g DIY Acrylic Tank Recommendations
Replies
5
Views
477
griss
griss
DjPhato
Ready, set…water! 90gal peninsula build
2
Replies
26
Views
1K
Patrick Seastar
Patrick Seastar
T
Transferring Salt Tank to New Tank in Same Location
Replies
17
Views
1K
shred5
shred5
Back
Top