Simple, low cost, DIY skimmer plans

[Reefkeeper 18]

Can anyone direct me to a fairly easy DIY skimmer plan/build with lots of easy to follow directions and pictures/videos? I'm lookin to build one for about a 60g tank and save some cash


Thanks,
Riley

 

[peppie]

Not sure you will be able to save any $ with so many good used skimmers out there.
Acrylic is spendy!!!

 

[Reefkeeper 18]

I've heard of some being made of PVC which is why imfiguredmi could save money

 

[matt9190]

Peppie - You can definitely save money building your own. The materials for my skimmer was ~20$ not including the pump.

I built my skimmer a couple years ago, and Im still pleased with it's function. I googled many designs and watched several videos for different designs before finally settling on a hybrid of many of the best ideas on the net. I recommend do a similar search and building one that suits your needs. Generally, you can build a venturi style skimmer out of large diameter PVC with great success. The good thing about building your own is that the materials are so cheap that you can make a mistake, or start over without losing money. Take your time, plan ahead, and you can save a lot of money on a skimmer if you want.

 

[yogoshio]

You'd have to manually check it more often since its not transparent, but PVC is a surefire cheap way to go to get a big skimmer without big bucks.

 

[peppie]

Peppie - You can definitely save money building your own. The materials for my skimmer was ~20$ not including the pump.

I built my skimmer a couple years ago, and Im still pleased with it's function. I googled many designs and watched several videos for different designs before finally settling on a hybrid of many of the best ideas on the net. I recommend do a similar search and building one that suits your needs. Generally, you can build a venturi style skimmer out of large diameter PVC with great success. The good thing about building your own is that the materials are so cheap that you can make a mistake, or start over without losing money. Take your time, plan ahead, and you can save a lot of money on a skimmer if you want.

Didnt want to come across as a Debbie Downer. A lot of the cost will be related to the material and pump, or airstones and air pump.
Yes it can be done if you are handy and use materials from the box stores. But will it work as good as the $65 used skimmer on CL? Do you get it right the first time? or the third time?
I am a die-hard DIYer. And yes I did save money building my own skimmer.
A counter current, air driven model

 

[goober35]

I have looked into building my own skimmer as well. When i do go for it i will get a generic pump that one of the big skimmer manufactures uses. If i fail at building it i can just by a skimmer with out the pump, and use my pump and be out $40 on PVC.

 

[Reefkeeper 18]

I've seen some videos and instructions but each of them has instructions but also has some "grey areas" too which I don't like

 

[sparky45]

That's a nice looking skimmer

 

[rrasco]

Look into an SCA-301. Or you can look at the 302 or 303 if you want something a little bigger. Great skimmers.

 

[Jamiesheffield]

http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=292181&hl=

I built, and use, one for my 20G tank, and I'm certain that it could modified easily to work for your 60G tank.

Jamie

 

[matt9190]

Peppie - That is a wonderful looking skimmer! It looks as professional as could be, and it must have come with a price tag (acrylic). My thoughts are: if you don't care how it looks, you can definitely save money. And for the record, my first design worked great, and I've only made one modification to my collection cup which did not cost anything. Go DIYers!

 

[peppie]

Peppie - That is a wonderful looking skimmer! It looks as professional as could be, and it must have come with a price tag (acrylic). My thoughts are: if you don't care how it looks, you can definitely save money. And for the record, my first design worked great, and I've only made one modification to my collection cup which did not cost anything. Go DIYers!

Thanks Matt,
There was some cost related to the build, but nothing compared to what a skimmer this size would cost.
Can you save money on a diy??? Many variables will dictate your success or failure.

Sometimes it isnt about the cost for me. It is all about (CAN I DO IT )


Sorry for the high jack.

 

[Reefkeeper 18]

Stil looking for designs, I have lots of PVC left over from my DIY sulfur reactor so I'm trying to find a way to utilize that