Skimmers!!!!!!

[herpencounter]

Need Good cheap Skimmer does not need more then 50g, hang on tank and cheap.

What are your ideas?

 

[bleedingthought]

You can try the CPR BakPak, the AquaC Remora, or maybe a HOT Coralife Super Skimmer.

 

[herpencounter]

OK! I have a 29g I found a small skimmer does 84 gallons per hour made for tanks up to 12g what would happen if I put one in?

 

[bleedingthought]

It wouldn't be enough, probably. Not only does it sound that this skimmer is only talk and no walk, but skimmer ratings are always overrated. So, shoot for a skimmer that will do up to about a 75 gallon tank. Better to spend your money wisely than to have useless equipment.

 

[herpencounter]

It wouldn't be enough, probably.

Wow your smart .

Right now I have an idea on making one :roll: . :wink:

 

[Len]

Define "cheap" The AquaC Remora or Tunze Nano might work for you. Or for a bit less, the Coralife needlewheels can be used hang-on as well.

 

[herpencounter]

umm $80 or less I know I know.

 

[fcmatt]

i would go with the bakpak or remora. they have a proven record
from what i read around here.

 

[herpencounter]

How would this work.....

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002- ... kimmer.jpg


I have a few different changes.

 

[Len]

They won't let us see the image (is replaced by a logo) :?

DIY can be a bit cheaper, but if you make a mistake, it will turn out to be more expensive A Coralife Superskimmer (smallest model) is about $80-90.

 

[herpencounter]

Well im doing a test one with stuff I have already (soda bottle stuff like that ).

 

[bleedingthought]

The remoras and bakpak go for around 100 bucks used and sometimes even less.

 

[cindre2000]

An air pump driven PVC skimmer would be pretty easy, and looks nicer than a soda bottle. If you plan everything before hand it can be pretty cheap. I am actually planning one out right now for a 55.

 

[herpencounter]

COOL! Like I said im using stuff around the house just to get a design this probably wont be the final thing.


What you think of this???

 

[cindre2000]

There are some flaws in your design.

First of all, make it a counter current skimmer for maximum efficiency. That means the water enters from the top and exits from the bottom (you also get less micro bubbles in the tank this way). The second big thing is making the bubbles. A pump is easy to maintain and all; however, it is not cost efficient and the turbulence is bad for proper skimming. A simple air stone is much much more effective.

The skimmer I am planning will have a very small pump take water from the tank and pump it into the top section of PVC pipe (I like to use T fittings so I do not have to install bulkheads); the water then flows down the tube to the bottom where another T fitting leads out, back up, and back into the tank. A ball valve on this return allows you to adjust the hight of the foam. The bottom unscrews to allow simple replacement of the air stone (which is plumbed through the bottom).

The only flaw in this design is that the whole think is opaque which means you need to raise and lower the hight of the foam based on the amount of skim, rather than the visual height.

 

[herpencounter]

Yeah I know I messed up so iv been thinking on how to improve it here is the new picture.

 

[Len]

The output inside the chamber shouldn't go up that high and should be angled to cause the air/water mixture to swirl around as long as possible in the chamber.

DIY only if you love to DIY Chances are, it won't save you any money and may cost you some more.

 

[cindre2000]

Generally this is the design followed by most people.

The optional recirculating (or venturi) pump is in gray; however, air pump are quiet and much much much more energy efficient.

 

[herpencounter]

This goes inside the tank?

 

[herpencounter]

What one is better fig 1 or 2?