Questions About Building a CC Skimmer

[NYReefMan]

kstockman, liquid, etc...

I understand 2 out of the 3 mods you were talking about, but
how and where exactly would you install the close off valve on the collection cup?

NYReefMan

 

[Snailman]

All this talk about counter current skimmers with air stones being the only way to independently control the air:water ratio has me confused.

Why can't you have your venturi or needle wheel pump on a dedicated loop and run your water through the skimmer with a different pump(or gravity feed for that matter). Now you can precisely control both air and water and never replace an airstone.

If you can find a way to get a venturi to put out as much air as you want at any water flow rate your should patent it. The same goes for the needle wheel. The air and water are tied together, if you want more air you have to add more water which does not change the ratio.

 

[Snailman]

I could buy the book ($109.85 to us here in the UK!)

Why is it five times as much in the UK?

 

[thunt]

No idea Snailman. Have a look on Amazon.co.uk and thats the price that comes up.

Seems we get stung a lot on aquatic stuff.

For example, a bought an Amiracle PS3 skimmer over here and it cost me $150. On a visit to the US after I saw it MO for $39.95. Sold the PS3 now and made my own, but gives an example of pricing issues.

Tim

 

[SciGuy2]

Liquid,

It seems to me that we have been quick to dismiss recirculating venturi designs. If properly designed with a lower box section where the turbulance is contained, and possibly baffles to further isolate the skimmer body from the turbulance of the recirc. intake/output, a recirc. venturi skimmer should work well.

The quality of bubble size would continue to be a problem, air diffusers simply make the most consistant bubbles. However most diffusers only work well for 4- 6 weeks so I persist in being interested in venturi designs.

I'm working on making some small venturi tubes right now, trying to make a smaller Beckett assembly. After I get one that I like I plan on tinkering with a recirc. venturi modification on my snailman skimmer to see how it compares in quality and ease of maintenance.

-Sci

 

[SciGuy2]

Aaron,

I posted a cartoon-like sketch of what you are describing here:

http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=56820&highlight=skimmer

There is some discussion of strengths, weaknesses, and design consideration in the thread.

HTH,
-Sci

 

[GH Sniper]

I was hinking of using the Kent venturi with a high powered air pump to be able to control both flow and air ratios. I will have to try it on my frag tank but not entirely sure of the results that it would produce.

Any one here thought or tired this?

 

[Aaron Shelley]

SciGuy, you are right on the money!!

That is EXACTLY what I am talking about and have done in the past.I have tried several differnt baffle methods but the one you drew works the best, IMHO.

Snailman, do you see what I mean? I'm not talking about a the typical Euroreef method or venturi method. It is a dedicated loop so the water is held constant since it comes from, and is return to the same place (just like a recirculating loop on your aquarium). I hope I don't sound condescending because I know you are one sharp man. I wish I could patent this but it has been around forever.

 

[Flatlander]

So anyone from this thread still running their DW 96-2.

I,m on my second one but keep blowing out one side. Any others having similar problems.

 

[Mr Bojangles]

I did, I bought the repair kits and they didn't fix the problem. I use the coralife luft pump now and it hasn't failed in 2 years

 

[Flatlander]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8518464#post8518464 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mr Bojangles
I did, I bought the repair kits and they didn't fix the problem. I use the coralife luft pump now and it hasn't failed in 2 years

Ok. Thanks