So, I've been fighting bubbles in my little 5 gallon sump....

I decided to put baffles in rather then a pile of live rock.  Here's a picture:

In order to add the baffles, I needed to replace my current skimmer since it was made to be inside the sump.  Here's a picture of it:

It worked ok, but was a constant battle to keep it skimming.  As you can see, the upper neck is white pvc... I could never tell where the level was.  So, I built a new one.  Here's a picture of it:

Here's a picture of the collection cup after starting up:

It hasn't really started to collect "gunk" yet... it'll take a few days to break in.  So far I really like the new sump and skimmer.  The baffles are working great!  No more filter sock or bubbles.

Here's a picture of the sump from above:

and here's a picture of the whole set-up:

Jon- just curious about your design, how do you control the water level in you skimmer?  Can you adjust the height of the PVC tubes exiting the skimmer?

That "fatter" piece of pvc, just after the water exits the box, is an expansion repair coupling.  It's completely water tight and telescopes about 3 inches.  The tee on the outlet is needed as a syphon break.  I've made skimmers in the past with valves on the outlet (like the ETSS skimmers), they work good too.  The expansion coupling is a bit more compact.

Some specs:

• currently powered by a RIO 2100
• 1/2 Mazzie venturi
• 3 1/2 inch diam x 12 inch long main chamber
• 2 inch diam x 5 inch long secondary chamber
• 6 inch diam collection cup

The water exiting the box is for all intents and purposes, bubble free.  There are bubbles where it flows back into the sump, this is due to the syphon break (it sucks air down the tube).  These are big bubbles and are easily removed in the baffles.

I used extruded acrylic tubing which means it's only 1/8" thick.  In order to get a good glue line, the holes in the box and flanges were cut to the outside diameter of the tube and the tube slid into the hole.  This gave a 3/8" glue line at the box and a 1/4" glue line on the top flange.  Both the inlet and outlet from the box were drilled and tapped to accept pvc threaded fittings.  As you can see, I never found nylon thumbscrews, so I just used wingnuts.  A 4 inch diameter o-ring is used to seal the top flange.

Jon,

How do you build your own skimmer?  I mean this is one project that I would love to do, seeing as how I would like to have a skimmer but don't want to pay upwards of $200 for one.  How much did all the material cost, if you don't mind my asking? 

This is my understanding of how a skimmer works let me know just how right or wrong I may be.  Basicly water enters the main chamber and then air bubbles comming up from the bottom pick up the waste (I'm not sure if thats a properway to say it either) and bring it up to the collection chamber?  I think the smaller the bubbles the better (provides more surface area for the waste to collect on?

I'm trying to decide what will be the best path for me to take, so far I've narrowed it down to a sump under the tank with an in sump skimmer, or getting in touch with Adam and seeing his hang on refugium.  If I could build my own skimmer I'm sure it would make my choice a bit harder to make.

1/4" cast acrylic will run about $3.50 - $4 per square foot (3/8" a little more).

6" tubing was about $8 per foot, 3 1/2" at about $4, 2" at about $2.

Call Regional Supply for exact pricing...

The potentially expensive item is the venturi.  I picked up mine used from one of the LFS for about $15, but they can run upwards of $25 - $50 (Kent Marine sells one (1/2") for about $20 that I would have used if I hadn't found mine).  If you're building a large skimmer, I'd use a Beckett Foam Head.  I bought one at Home Depot for $7.  Beckett skimmers need a big pump to function properly.

Yes, your understanding of skimmers is more or less accurate.  The difference in skimmers is how the air bubbles are created.  You can use an air pump and air stone, venturi, down draft nozzle, beckett head, venturi on the pump suction and paddle wheel on pump, ect.  The other, imo, important design consideration is contact time.

Why not build both!  I like using a skimmer but would really like to add a refugium to my system too!  Both projects require some woodworking tools to cut the material... anyone can glue .

If you don't have tools, I think Reginal Supply will cut for you.  If not I could cut out some pieces for you.  Good luck!

Quote: Originally posted by maximus89 on 03 June 2003

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  What kind of tools did you construct it with? What would be the most critical part of the whole project? Is that a beckkett injection? What am I looking in materials to build it? I have access to some 1/4 or 3/8 acrylic but nothing that is big enough to make a sump with but probably a skimmer box though! I found a site on reef.org online coarse 35.00 I think it was maco something like that Im to lazy to go back and find it anyway I was to late to sign up for it anyways it looked interesting though. But back to the skimmer I am fasinated about building a skimmer now and I cant get it off my mind if your getting that much foam off a 2100 then that is pretty effecient they dont draw that much elec. compared to most down draft injection models I have read about.  That ought to be a good start for me anyways

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Tools:  You need some way to cut a straight line, I use a table saw, something to drill large holes for the riser tube, I use either a circle cutter in a drill press or a router with template, and something to drill smaller holes for inlet/outlet, I used a drill press.  If you plan to thread the acrylic, then you also need a tap.  If building a large skimmer, I'd just buy a couple bulkhead fittings and skip the threads.  Draw out what you think your skimmer should look like, figure the material needed and call one of the plastic suppliers to get prices.  I've probably got about $50 - $75 in mine, depending on whether you price new acrylic sheet or scrap from Regional Supply.

No my skimmer does not use a Beckett head, I would use one on a bigger skimmer though.  I do have plenty of bubbles and foam (it's almost solid white from bottom of riser to top), but mine is rather short.  I build mine as big as I could to fit in my stand, a longer primary riser would most likely work better.  I'm not really complaining... already it's perfoming more consistantly then my other one.

I see the tubes and all the bubbles but have no idea how it works or fits together. Do any of you have written designs (drawings, specs, etc) on how to build a skimmer and what the principles are to tweak the designs for increased efficiency? Links are ceartainly welcome.

I would also be intrested in building one.

Cortney,

Here's the same photo as above with explainations:

There are many different ways to make bubbles, what you see in this picture is a venturi nozzle.  IMO, what makes a good skimmer is lots of fine bubbles and lots of contact time.  Generating the bubbles are usually not a problem but the increased contact time means a longer/bigger skimmer.  Obviously, there must be compromises in the design.

Do a search from google for "protein skimmer", you'll get hundreds of hits.  Here's an old (but fairly good) site regarding design (also follow the links within the article):

http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/~cap/raid/skimmers/orig_dd/index.html">http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/~cap/raid/skimmers/orig_dd/index.html

  Looks good jon can tell you put a little time into the project seen the attachment also i have seen that before its on ozzy's reefs page. Do you know where I could get a beckket injector locally?I see there is no baffle or bubble trap in the skimmer box that isnt giving you any troubles no micros in your tank. I have alot that comes out of my skimmer its anoying as @### I assume you have seen the ones on my reef creations sponc on reef cen.. all of those you cant see in the skimmer box do you have inside secrets. He has some nice beccket head mods for sale i think there like 60 bucks or so though. Thanks in advance if I forget for all the answers

    Its been a while I am still researching skimmer designs look at this one Jfinch I am going to make this kind of injectorhttp://http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=167257&highlight=cheapreef">http://http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=167257&highlight=cheapreef It looks like a good one and you can make it at home!

  I cant get that link to work on my puter lets try it a again.http://http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=167257">http://http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=167257 I meant oz reef page sometimes I get a little disoriented I think yours is cool I am buying the materials this week I was wondering if that acrylic extruded comes in any thicker wall thickness? Do you think with the 1/4 inch glue seam is good enough? I want to build a quality skimmer but I cant afford the cast acrylic unless someone wants to go in on a 4' lenght with me? Thanks for all your help jfinch

Jon, that looks great, nice job.

I personally paid quite a bit of money for my skimmer.  On the positive note, it works great!  On the negative side, I could of probably built an exact replica for $50.00.  LifeReef.com has a CAD design on their site.  They also sell their self cleaning venturi for around $15.00

Being new, I didn't want to build one.  Next time I think I'll DIY quite a bit of the stuff that I bought.

-Sean

maxiumus89,  you need to get rid of the extra http:// in you're linked address.  Here's the link:  http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=167257&highlight=cheapreef">http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=167257&highlight=cheapreef  This skimmer uses the same principle as the downdraft for air/water mixing and usually requires a larger pump... although he does seem to be getting good foam with just a Mag 7.

I didn't feel comfortable with 1/4", but you might .  That's why I used 3/8" material for the top and outlet side of the box.  The hole for the riser was cut to the outside diameter of the riser tube.  The riser tube was then slid into the top and glued giving a 3/8" glue line.  1/4" is problably fine, ymmv (abreviation for Marcus).

Give it a go with extruded.  My gut feeling is that it doesn't make much difference in the thinner material.  The problem with extruded (in water), as it was explained to me, is that it tends to absorb more water then cast causing it to swell and weakening the glue joints.  A 1/4" glue line is not going to move as much as a 1/2" (similar to the idea of cross grain gluing in woodworking).  The other problem with extruded is crazing (hundreds of micro cracks right at the glue line).  IME, extruded acrylic almost always crazes some... not sure it effects strength, but it doesn't do anything for asthetics. 

Quote: Originally posted by SSpargur on 13 June 2003

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Jon, that looks great, nice job.

I personally paid quite a bit of money for my skimmer.  On the positive note, it works great!  On the negative side, I could of probably built an exact replica for $50.00.  LifeReef.com has a CAD design on their site.  They also sell their self cleaning venturi for around $15.00

Being new, I didn't want to build one.  Next time I think I'll DIY quite a bit of the stuff that I bought.

-Sean

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   Jon have you ever thought about laminating two .25 sheets together to get a .5 for the box I have alot of .25 or .375 scap I could laminate I would make it .75 wall if it would work and I dont see why it wouldnt do you?

Actually I have thought about that.  Gluing large panels together might prove difficult though.  3/4" is overkill, I'd say.

  I would agree on the over kill but I wanted to make a panel of 9"x7" if I laminated them together out of .25 or even .375 material what would I use for glue do you know? that would be the top of the skimmer box so I would have atleast .5 or .75 inch of glue joint. I could laminate the small sheets to gether and cut to size. I am asking you what glue or glues should I purchase I plan on buying the tubing and glue tomorrow at deviles. thanks for answering all my questions jon

Really, anything more then 3/8 is overkill, imo.  But if you want to glue a thicker panel you can use the thick cement, Weld-On 16, and spread it around on one piece and then sandwitch them together.  I might try sqirting some Weld-On 4 on one piece, place the other piece on top but wedged with straight pins.  Let this soak for a minute or two then pull the pins and hold together.

I've bought from Delvies too, but Standard is cheaper for tubing and you can buy it by the foot.  Delvies only sells 3 foot sections.

  Is it standard or regional I didnt get the opprotunity to talk to either but I will definatlely go where you can get it by the foot! I need a 2' of six and foot of 4 and some 2.5. this is my plan for the foot print of lxwxh  10.5x7x8 for the box. first riser will be 12" of 6"od sec will be 4" of 4 od and the collection will be 5" of 6" od does that sound proportional? I looked in the yellow pages just now and found alot of plastic dist. one that is very close to regional that is called laird have you ever been there?

•     Well that just bites I guess I am the only one that has to work on sat. regional or deviles arent open on sat. That is a just great I guess I can start fabricating the box but I dont have any glue can you buy the weldon lines at home depot or lowes anyone know?

Delvies and Regional are the only places I found glue.  maximus89, I could stop by on my way home from work Monday (I work in Bountiful, live in American Fork... ya I know) and get you some... It might save you a trip all the way into SLC.  Let me know.

   I will come up there I am planning to come and see your skimmer anyway if that is okay! I spent almost 80.00 dollars on tools today at harbor freight even. What time do you usally get home? There was a mention of a scrap bin at regionals is there any black do ya think? You just tell me what day what time to take peek at your skimmer and I would be honored to come and see it. I tore my storage shed apart I found some 3/16 thats it I thought I had some 1/4 and 3/8 but I guess I was mistaken

      Jon I went to regionals and did get what I said I was going to for the skimmer project. After I talked to you on sunday. I did run into a problem though they didnt have any 4.5" od extruded so I got 5"od but I was planning on 2.5 od for my second riser I think that 2.5od will look funny on my 5"od pipe so I think I will go back and get 3" od what do you think? I am looking on myreefcreations  and there second riser doesnt look much smaller than there first I dont know I guess I could change the second riser simple enough. I went to the gsl also I came home with alot of sand but I dont think it is the right sand I did a vineager test when I got home it does foam a little but I was thinking that It would be like vineager and baking soda has anyone tested gsl sand with vineager and if yes what was the results. And JON I need help with the flanges that seems to be wear I hit a wall if you could elaborate a little I need something that will cut pretty circles that big.

Don't overthink the tube sizes... I'm not sure it has much of an impact (actually I would keep the 2 1/2" for the top riser, that's a good size, imo).

regarding gsl sand.  It will not bubble like vinegar and baking soda.  Baking soda is much more soluble then calcium carbonate (gsl sand).  That means that is dissloves quickly alowing the carbonate to react with the H+ from the vinegar (more then you probably wanted to know...)  If it bubbles at all it's probably the right stuff.  Get a handful of aragonite substrate (carib-sea or similar) and see what it does in vinegar.  They both should look similar.

This is what I'd do if I didn't have a circle cutter big enough.  Using a compass transcribe a circle with the outside diameter of the flange on a piece of wood.  Now rough cut this out with a bandsaw or jigsaw.  Sand the circle perfectly down to the line.  Now rough cut the acrylic to shape.  Using double sided tape, attach the acrylic to the wood blank.  Using a flush trim router bit follow the wood pattern.  You now have a perfect circle.  This procedure can also be used to cut the inside diameters or if under 6 inches just use a circle cutter in a drill press.  I didn't make keyholes on mine so I can't help you there.

      I did get the top built and all the box cut to size router the edges so they are pretty and square. Lucky I have alot of extra acrylic at my diposal. I was looking at your bulkhead fittings and was wondering how exactly you made those. The five inch hole proved to be a little challenge as did the 2.5. I had to rig a fix for my harbor freight special zip saw/circle cutter. I will be ready for glue tomorrow I dont know what size of hole to drill for the outlet I was planing a 1" ball valve am I going to be able to get a water tight seal on the bulkhead/pvc fittings. I have weldon 4 but I dont think that will bond acrylic to pvc will it I am planning on using it in the sump but It may be better to elevate it out off the water line and wouldnt want a peski drip drip drip. Thanks jon for answering all the questions

    I havent been able to get on the website for awhile it must have been down I just want to say thanks Jon. I have made two since I started the first worked very well and the second I made some adjustments and It fills a 18"x5" od to the top with foam. It has been running for 12hrs and has already removed half cup of skimmate Ill have to get a piture some how. The skimmate isnt the green tea that my recent skimmer pulled out. It is really dark and thick and Im guessing here it smells like fish @*&* alot differant than my previous skimmer performance. I would like to say thanks again if it wasnt for a local reffer like your self posting pitures of the diy skimmer I would have never made one thanks JON. 

     I made the injector myself. I am very impressed with it do to the fact I made the whole thing right down to the injector it took a couple trys and some throwing some things before I got one that worked well. But now I have a skimmer that will actually do what it was supposed to do. I have had several skimmers to date and this one is a different animal and I just wondeing where I have been all my life LOL.  Anyone want any info on the injector you will have to private message me I will explain there! I would like to still see yours also jon thanks again I had alot of fun building mine.

maximus, perhaps you could post some pictures for us to see.  I'm always interested in seeing skimmers!  Could you pm me the details of your injector (is it the same as waterboy55's?  He told me about his the other day).

    I am in the research and development stage right now I almost have all the bugs worked out. I have to go to regionals again hopefully the last for awhile. I will get some pitures up asap if my sister in law hurrys I am going to build another skimmer number three hopefully it works to my expectation. I will take pitures from start to finish on this one I think I have all the bugs worked out so anyone wanting to build one wont have to go through what I had to. It works great the only problem it returns to many bubbles and I have been trying to get more control on the foam level in the riser and to get smaller bubbles I will keep you posted on my progress.

Jon,

Check out the venturi that lifereef.com sells.  It's around $15 and it's self-cleaning.

Sean,  I've thought about doing that (recirculating the venturi air), but I think I've got a CO2 offgasing "issue" as it stands now and recirculating the venturi air would only make matters worse.  I think I can solve the problem by sending some of my automatic make-up water into the air line of the venturi.  We'll see.

      I have a bunch of pitures 35m I have no way of posting them though I was wondering if anyone could help me out? My new skimmer this is number three it works very well no bubble return very thick foam alot of micro bubble size alot of contact time. I made some adjustments I still could make some more but I think it is well enough designed  that improvment would be minimal. 400 cu in of foam at times if my math serves me right. I dont have any height restrictions helped alot. I am overall impressed with the performance of these skimmers. They are tempermental I have noticed if anything gets in the water they quit reacting say when I feed the foam quits I have never noticed this because my skimmer was in the basement now it is behind my tank I thought I would share that.