Need some help with my skimmer.. pics

[DJ88]

FYI

In the theory links you will see that it is recommended to have a CC skimmer at least 28 to 32 inches in height for it to function properly unless for VERY SMALL aquariums.

These recommendations come from books published on skimmer theory, operation and design..

Just so you know.

[ 25 December 2001: Message edited by: DJ88 ]

[One_Divided]

I looked at the general specs on the precision marine page when I made my skimmer.. Not that I disagree (I know next to nothing on building skimmers), but if the precision marine airstone model works; why not go 18"? Obviously longer contact time will be better, but damn acryilic tubing is expensive! lol.. I would think that the small bubbles produced from the airstones would make up for that to some degree with more surface area.

Look at the specs here

[DJ88]

Well from the work I have done with Skimmers I would say that the skimmer PM makes is only good on a smaller size tank. Most CC skimmers I have seen for larger systems are well over 32 inches high. Even up to 6' high for something on a 150 gallon system. For the most part take the manufacturers number with a grain of salt.. I usually take it down by about 50% on venturi and airstone skimmers. Those are numbers I have seen with a bit of research into skimmers of various designs. Bullet(beckett) styles usually are close to the mark as they are forced water and air production. Different from venturi and CC air stone skimmers.

Most air skimmers use those same wooden airstones for bubble production, so you will probably get the same bubble production as others.

The PM systems offset the height by having the water rotating in the column to allow for more contact time. Same idea as the Venturi skimmer they make. If you look you will see that the injector is offset from center to give it that swirling motion. With the PM site you will also notice they don't give a recommended water pump.. I'd say you will need something more than a MJ or Rio 800 on it.

Just some helpful words.. If you are putting this on your tank you may want to take others experiences such as snailman's.

IMO you will end up with a skimmer that isn't strong enough for a tank your size. I ran a CC skimmer on my 90 for a while and the only height I found worked half decent was a 5 foot tall skimmer. With two air stones and a massive pump driving those. You will also find that they only work for a while then you need to replace the stones. Once a month is a good rule of thumb. For water flow I had a hagen 5000 on it pushing 1000GPH. I think mine didn't work that well as I didn't have a strong enough air pump on it. You will need a huge air pump to run a tall skimmer efficiently. If I remember right I priced some out at over $150 each with enough pressure and able to handle the back pressure.

HTH

IMO IME

[ 25 December 2001: Message edited by: DJ88 ]

[One_Divided]

Darren, next time I venture in to doing something like this, I'll have to chat with you first! lol

Well I have the skimmer working pretty well now. Next time I do it, the intake will be offset.. Also, I may still make the riser tube longer again.. As you can see that I need in this pic.. And I think for a biger system, a longer reaction tube.

All I did to kick start the skimmer is drop the skimate in from my remora to give more to skim.. In about 5 minutes, this was the result.. I did a turkey baster analysis (lol) and I could see the the skimate is almost black and the water in the bucket is clear.

Are there any precautions that I should take before testing it on my main tank? I can't imagine toxic glues are good.. do I need to soak it or anything? [img]images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img]




[ 25 December 2001: Message edited by: One_Divided ]

[DJ88]

What kind of glue did you use Adam?

Weld On works the best. It actually fuses the acrylic together at a molecular level.. [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img] So I am told. . [img]images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]

If you raise that water level up it will work wonders.. [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

It's all a learning experience.. [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

After I was hurt and not able to work I had all kinds of free time on my hands.. So I built skimmers and researched them.. [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[One_Divided]

I used the weld on stuff in addition to methol hydrate (is that right?). And I siliconed the crucial areas..

raising the water level at the point I took that photo would have just shot the foam to the roof lol. I had to crank it was down when I added the skimmate.. it's up again..


thanks again everyone and marry x-mas!

[DJ88]

All you ned is Weld On.. lol

A good bead of this seals it completely..

Good to be thorough tho..

[One_Divided]

heheh.. just want to be safe on my first creation..

So do you think it would be safe to run on my system at this point?

(we're busy this christmas!!... really! right darren? ) [img]images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img] lol

[DJ88]

How long did you let it sit and dry before adding water? that is the question.. The weld on can be immersed pretty quick after drying.. Longer the better tho for a good bond. Overnight is a good rule of thumb I follow.

[terryp01]

I always wait 24 hours on the weldon. This allows the bond to cure and strenghten so you don't have any water blowing under your tank. Trust me on that one, I learned the hard way.