PDA

View Full Version : DIY Pico skimmer and overflow


425nm
02-04-2013, 04:08 AM
I recently acquired a 2.5 gallon fluval spec that I'm turning into a Pico salt.

I ditched the stock pump and replaced it with a hydor 180gph pico

The overflow/sump:
However to do this I had to cut out the back partition because the well was too narrow for the hydor:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b311/Amemaru/2013-02-03130922_zpscf3be695.jpg (http://s22.beta.photobucket.com/user/Amemaru/media/2013-02-03130922_zpscf3be695.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0)
http://s22.beta.photobucket.com/user/Amemaru/media/2013-02-03185522_zpsaf06d9d6.jpg.html?sort=3&o=2

I've moved the well over slightly now to accommodate the hydor .
Originally my plan was just to throw some cheato in the back however now that I've got the back off, any suggestions for adding partitions other than the fuge?
Is it worth throwing some baffles and rumble in there?

The skimmer:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b311/Amemaru/2013-02-03131019_zpsf02c1386.jpg (http://s22.beta.photobucket.com/user/Amemaru/media)
/2013-02-03131019_zpsf02c1386.jpg.html?sort=3&o=3

Inspired by the air driven Mame skimmer I tracked down a siphon that I'm going to make into a skimmer.

My question: Most air driven skimmer I see have the drain line plumbed into the the side of the tube rather than the top, see the mame below:
http://reefbuilders.com/2010/08/02/mame-skimmer-ultimate-unboxing-exciting-concept-aquarium-product/

If I plumb the drain line into the top by just using the siphon attachment will it drain the tank when I fire the skimmer up?

Additionally, does anyone have suggestions regarding lights?
I'm currently debating between the : EcoPico nano and the Aquaray mini. Other suggestions are welcome.