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DIY skimmer


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  1. #1
    tazzy695 - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    flint, mi
    Posts
    1,472

    Default DIY skimmer

    ok so I got bored today and my tank hasn't had a skimmer for far to long now and decided to go build a skimmer I will update with more pics later

    first here is the parts list I used

    1 3"/4" pvc toilet flange with nockout plug
    1 2' 3" pvc pipe
    1 2' 1.5" pvc pipe
    2 3" to 1.5" pvc size flanges
    2 3"x3"x1.5" 90 t
    1 1.5" to 1" reducer
    1 1" 90 elbow
    1 1" expansion pipe

    tools used
    saw for cutting pipe
    dremmel
    pvc glue / primer

    #1 glue the first piece of 3" pvc to the toilet flange this is the base

    #2 cut pipe high enough to glue a 3"x3"x1.5" 90 on with the curv pointing down and glue piece on

    #3 repeat step two

    #4 cut a piece of 3" pvc high enough to add one of the 3"x1.5" reducers and glue on the top

    this is the finish of the main body

    flow input is mad by taking a 1.5" reducer to .5" threaded reducer and installing the .5" hose barb and gluing into the upper 90

    the output of the skimmer is made by taking the 1.5" to 1" reducer gluing in the 90 elbow into it then gluing the expansion tube to the top of that GLUE THE REDUCER INTO THE SKIMMER BUT MAKE SURE EXPANSION TUBE IS STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN

    now the hardest part is the collection cup

    with your dremmel take the second 3"x1.5" reducer and there is a small flange on the inside that keeps the 1.5 pipe from beeing pushed all the way through this must be removed but without mucking up the smooth surface

    once you are done removing this flange on the INSIDE place the 1.5" tube through the piece the push into the top of the skimmer DO NOT GLUE mark where the top is and slide flange down to where you want it (for me worked best all the way down mark where you are going to have the bottom of your skimmer cup for gluing in place

    decide how tall you want your skimmer cup to be and cut a piece of the remaining 3"pvc for your height do not glue yet

    cut the riser tube through the center of the cup about an inch or so below the top of the cup and glue all pieces of the cup in place

    REMEMBER NOT TO GLUE THE 1.5" PIPE OUT THE BOTTOM OF THE CUP TO THE SKIMMER OR YOU WONT BE ABLE TO EMPTY YOUR SKIMMATE

    here are some pics of the one I built in use I will have to take some detailed pics of the build

    2010 11 05233845 - DIY skimmer

    2010 11 05233834 - DIY skimmer

    2010 11 05233855 - DIY skimmer

    these pics were taken after less then 5hours of run time

    2010 11 06003330 Flint Michigan US - DIY skimmer

    2010 11 06003502 Flint Michigan US - DIY skimmer

    2010 11 06003454 Flint Michigan US - DIY skimmer
    Last edited by tazzy695; 11-06-2010 at 12:23 AM.
    I have been reefing from 08-2007 till 5-2011

    reef tanks are like wifes you have to give them some attention every now and then

  2. #2
    MizTanks - Reefkeeper
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    U.P. of Michigan.
    Posts
    8,444
    First Name
    Jamie
    Awards Photo of the Month - October 2012 Photo of the Month Post and Reply Award - Winner of the first PAR Contest. Monthly Giveaway Winner

    Default

    Y'all amaze me with the things you can DIY. Very impressive Taz!
    There's nothing like being a Reefer! www.upmmas.com

  3. #3
    Sir Patrick - Reefkeeper A2 Club Coordinator
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    UofM territory
    Posts
    7,838
    First Name
    Chris
    Awards Monthly Giveaway Winner

    Default

    5 Hours and pulling some nasty looking stuff!!! Smells like success to me!!!

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