skimmer plans

[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