The Bucket/beckett Skimmer

[bigbeatzz]

that thing is a beast. Can't wait to see it in action...very clever idea

 

[sgolden]

ahhhh...a fellow cheapskate....i knew i wasnt alone....ill bet it works pretty well....function before fashion....thats my motto....nice work =0)

 

[pvtschultz]

Well, where are the pictures of it running????

 

[Isayso]

HOLY cow !!
I installed everything last nigh and the mak 4 it looks that is too pwerfull
probably becouse is pumping at only 2 1/2 feet...
the skimmer is going through what I should call a break in time ....but I can see lots of foaming surface already ..cant wait untill start pulling the nice smelling stuff ...
I dint take any pics couse there is nothing to show YET.'ll post the foaming pics later..

I know that Ball valve are a PITA....but I'm triyng to be asa cheap as possible ...maybe in the future..I can install a gate valve LOL

this way I'm saving alot of money ....a foot of 12"diam. its $140.00 CAD
plus all the jingles that I need.
how knows maybe this way we all can afford a huge skimmer at cheap price.

 

[ranceego]

well its interesting cant wait to see the bucket run

 

[slug]

Ebay is a good place for cheap beckets, you can get them for $6 there.

Good luck tuning a beckett skimmer with a ball valve, it's nearly impossible.

 

[AnnArborBuck]

Instead of a ball valve or gate valve you can just do a PVC stand pipe like euro-reef and many other skimmers use (snailman's counter current also use this technique). Replace the ball valve with a 90 facing up, add some pvc pipe to get to your final height (use coupler to make it adjustable), and then add another 90, a Tee, and then another pipe going back down into the pump (to reduce noise, bubbles). I believe this is called a Hartwell loop, or something along those lines. It costs $4 and is very adjustable and very accurate. Doesn't look as simple as a ball valve, but it does take up less sump space.

 

[billpa]

Ebay is a good place for cheap beckets, you can get them for $6 there.

Good luck tuning a beckett skimmer with a ball valve, it's nearly impossible.

I agree! The amount of money you save on buying a ball valve over a gate valve is little compared to the time you spent toying with that thing. I have built a few EuroReef clones ie EAP skimmers and the one thing I never skimp on is the exit valve. Ball valves are mediocre at best.

Aside from that, the skimmer looks great! I actually drew up a diagram for a downdraft type skimmer ie ETSS made out of a couple of buckets. I just never had the time to put the thing together.

Good luck!

billpa

 

[Versus]

anyone have the DIY plans for the injector "holder" using pvc fittings

 

[ratimpulse]

Would i be able to make this like away from my tank, like have the mag 7 pumping water into the becket like on the side of my tank, then have an exit way going back into my sump?

 

[capt. insano]

it would be sweet if it works and one could make it with a clear bucket

 

[fishfood2581]

where can you get clear buckets?

It will definatly work the problem is tunign it with a ball valve and not being able to see into the bucket which is gonna be near impossbile

 

[Versus]

As stated before the salt buckets have orings around them , i doubt you will find a "clear" bucket like that or even as sturdy as a utility bucket like the salt comes in . plus this is doing it on the "cheap"

 

[AnnArborBuck]

You could always cut a small section of the bucket away and add a clear piece of plexi. This would act as a "window" into the bucket so you can see what is going on inside.

 

[zapata41]

underwater camera, duh!!

Tim

 

[H20ENG]

I'm with Ann Arbor Buck.
Ditch that valve and put in a Hartford Loop. To make it adjustable, you can use the same kind of fitting your beckett is in, or a double compression fitting. That way you can raise or lower it to dial in your foam head.
I'm not too proud to say I've built one of those before

 

[slug]

Would i be able to make this like away from my tank, like have the mag 7 pumping water into the becket

A mag 7 is a liitle weak to drive a beckett well.

A hartford loop would work better then the ball valve, I like gate valves better personally.

 

[tampa-reefer]

Im with Slug, Becketts seem to perform best with about 900GPH pressure rated running through them.

 

[Charlie Davidson]

I think you would like the hartmans loop, Lowes sells an adjustable fitting, for pvc . it makes for easy adjustment .

 

[Isayso]

update and video

update and video

Hi Gang!!! :lol:
its start to working already....

it is not 100% but at least it started.....

it releases some bubbles in the BIN ...but its OK!!!
as first attempt it is not toooo baad...
not leaking at all..
adjusting the ball valve is a SMALL PITA...once its set it will be ok!
a gate valve would be better...and again this the cheapiest that one can go....

can you see the foam??

this is the bin with the rocks

another shot of the raiser

AND FOR THOSE WHO WANT A VIDEO HERE IS THE VIDEO

I hope to post more pics during the week