Protein Skimmer Design idea

[elliotklinger]

I have recieved new aryclic tube from someone, it was part of old bubble display with plastic fishes inside. Anyway, it's almost 4" in diameter (about 3 7/8") and 45 1/2 inches long. Thickness is almost 1/4".

I'm looking for best design since I'm going to make this for my 330 gal system and it will be in sump. My sump footprint is about 20" x 20" so I'm open to all kind of design idea- single tube or double tubes design. I'll go with needle impeller, loop design etc.

I'll appreciate any blueprint and to whoever take their time to come up with best designs, thanks!

 

[elliotklinger]

No idea yet, anyone?

My sump is 52" x 20" x 20" but I would like to fit the skimmer in footprint of 20" x 20"- I don't care how tall it will go, anyway.

 

[RandyStacyE]

Isn't 4" diameter a bit small? I suppose if you made it quite tall it could compensate a bit, but more head pressure and maybe less performance.

Well free acrylic tube is definitely a good start. Do you have any preferences as to whether or not you want a cone or a flat top to the reaction chamber? Do you have a circle cutter, use of a drill press or a router?

I ask because if you want to make acrylic disks you’ll need to either make them or buy them. It also depends on just how complicated you're willing to go with this skimmer ... whether or not you use a union or twist locks. Whether you want to make flanges or just glue your disks.

 

[BruiseAndy]

could use it for a double chamber ca reactor.

 

[kentrob11]

I would cut it in half and make two recirculating skimmers using a pair of Gen-X 2400 pumps with meshwheels.

 

[zmovegolf]

I think 4" is a little to narrow for what you are trying to do. Just my opinion.

 

[elliotklinger]

RandyStacyE: Yes, may compensate for thinness by going to tall design, I've seen several 500-1000 designs that uses 5" tube and over 48". If I'm lucky, 45 1/2 would be sufficent for 330g. I think I'll stick with simple plan such as straight up flume rather than conical. I do have access to hole cutters but none large enough to craft necessary parts. I'll have to order from glass shop. I think I'll go with twist lock with gasket and plastic shop screws. I have a design in mind but not exactly sure if it would work... Maybe in conjunction with my current turbo-flotor. However, I'm looking for more simple design...

Here's a possible design but would need to have a lot of special design order... Monster Beckett

BruiseAndy: Excellent suggestion! However, I already have another tube for that project and will look into it in the future.

kentrob11: I like the recirculating skimmer idea. Do you have any link for a possible blueprint or such?

zmovegolf: Actually, you're right in general perspective but I've been looking at a lot skimmers lately and manfacturers seems to be trying for thinner design so 4" might be sufficent for 330g..