Where is the design flaw?

[moze229]

What makes the Seaclone bad? I know that they are, because I had one about 5 years ago. I've been interested in making a DIY skimmer, and I need to know what NOT to do. I don't know much about the design of a skimmer, so when I look at a Seaclone it looks perfectly fine to me. What is it about the design of this skimmer that makes it bad? I think it would help me understand the mechanics of a skimmer better. Thanks!

Matt

 

[Bri Guy]

One MJ pumping both the air and water through the skimmer, that one little impeller runs the whole show. I know a guy who made a skimmer out of a 5g jug, he has one MJ pumping water through the skimmer, then he has 3 (I think, maybe 2) other pumps on it, they just add air. Give one pump both jobs and its just not as powerful. + you can't hook that skimmer up to any hoses, it has an over flow output like on a HOB filter. Not as versital as others. I no longer have mine, but I could whip it into giving me some skim, but I had to work for it.

 

[RicksReefs]

vortex skimmers have a hard time working because of the low pressure built into the inside of the vortex. as the crud tries to rise, it gets pulled back down instead of going into the cup.

 

[moze229]

OK. I think I have a little bit better of an idea about why the design is bad. I think I just need to learn more about how a skimmer works from an engineering standpoint. Time to do a lot more research! I've been reading the crap out of all the DIY articles and I have tons of information on how to make one. Maybe I should just shut up and make one of the samples and study it. Thanks for the info!

Matt