skimmer plans

[segraves1]

well I'm ditching the "skimmerless" idea (just don't feel it would be feasable and perhaps too much trouble in the end.........

so......

I need to figure out how big (both size of "body" and pump size) to build my skimmer for the ~100 gal tank (also has a 50gal sump/fuge) I'm setting up....

[Reptoreef]

A total height(minus cone to collection cup) of 20"x6" for the body. A adaptor from 6"to 2"(at least 4"tall and cone shaped). A collection cup(I made mine of a clear tupperware that resembles a factory cup). Powered with a Sedra 5000 needle wheel pump. Or go a little more simple(higher cost but soo worth it) www.asmskimmer.com

[jmuscat2]

I reccomend using the Ocean Runner needle wheels over the Sedra. I just put two 3700's on a DIY skimmer I built. There are very quiet and produce very small bubbles. There is some modding you need to do to the pump before you can use it but is worth it. They are better pumps than the Sedra's I was using.

JMHO:D

[segraves1]

what happens if you make the body to tall and/or to big of a diameter (or is that possible)?

as I understand it, the smoother and slower the water moves through the skimmer body, the better your skimmer will work.....

[Reptoreef]

Too much pressure on the pump and pump is worthless.

[segraves1]

Too much pressure on the pump and pump is worthless.

yeah I got that....too much flow for the body size can cause problems.....what I'm wondering is can the body size be too big?

[Reptoreef]

nope... as long as you have the pump to feed it and create the best bubbles(size, amounts, and reaction time).

[segraves1]

I'm planning to build an 8" diameter/24" tall reaction chamber venturi recirculating skimmer....

my plan is to hook the overflow from the tank (should be flowing about 750gph) directly into the skimmer as high as possible in the reaction chamber, and let the out flow exit at the bottom (will have a stand pipe and gate valve to adjust water height in body).....this way gravity does the "filling" of the skimmer for me (thus only need one pump)....

then hook a Sedra 5000 Needlewheel Pump into the reaction chamber to work as the recirculation (and air injection) pump.....

as I see it, this:

cuts out a pump
provides constant flow (no worries with water level changes)
simpler

anything wrong with this?

[Reptoreef]

Great idea... might be funner to have 2 Sedra 5000, though.

[segraves1]

why 2?

would you still use both pumps as recirculation pumps?

[Reptoreef]

Yep... overkill it as much as you can. For the $$$ you'll save, invest it on a design you're able to use in applications able to take on some serious work or upgrades.

[segraves1]

how much flow can I do on the recirculation pump (if I have a 8" dia/24" tall reaction chamber) before it becomes so turbulant that I actually start loosing efficientcy?

[dakar]

I'd say just keep pushing the limits to keep the contact time up as long as possible.. when you reach the point to where you can no longer keep the bubbles in suspension (they are escaping through the out output) you've probably reached the max flow point... either back down the primary pump a bit or add a little more air.

Got any drafts of your plans to share?

I'm still hunting for a 8' length of 12" pipe to create my monster skimmer. Same basic principle... super slow flow 'thru' the skimmer around 300gph but with 2-3000gph+ for recirculation.

[segraves1]

well I went and finally found a place local that I can get pipe and fittings.....the pipe isn't all that much (2' section of 10" pipe for $29) but OMG....$150 for a closet flange.......guess I will have to look into doing things WITHOUT fittings....

I'm thinking of perhaps using acrylic sheet on the top and bottom of the reaction chamber but will acrylic "weld" to PVC?

[segraves1]

BTW, Harrington plastics (the local place) has 12" (actually go all the way to 24") PVC....sc40 in 12" is $30/foot.....

www.harringtonplastics.com