Skimmer Design
 

There seems to be a lot written on skimmer design but for the most part it is all trial and error or qualitative.

Anyone know where I can find something a little more quantitative?

eg. How much contact time per gallon. flowrates, sizing calculations, etc..

You will have to decide what type of skimmer you want ( i built a dual Beckett for my 300G ) HSA / Countercurrent / venturi etc

The size of the tank is important and also how much room you have to place the skimmer ( efficient countercurrent skimmers can be up to 6' tall ) ...

in choosing to go Beckett I decided that I did not want to deal with air pumps/air stones and would gladly pay more for a bigger water pump to drive it if it required less maintenance ... also the size I would need in any other style for my size tank was not an option ... another factor was noise as I had a venturi style previously and the hissing noise was unbearable

you have to look at your tank and what you are willing to give up or pay to get what you want ... a google search or major forum search will yield lots of designs

If you do decide on a Beckett style I would be happy to show you the one I built and how I built it.

Cheers

Rasta could we see some pics please?

Steve

This book gives lots of the details your after.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...999900-9078517

I dont have a website to post to but if you want a pic I would email it to you or if you have webspace post it

Cheers

could you pass on the plans for the beckett skimmer to me?? I am planning on building a skimmer, but I have not found a detailed set of plans.

Thanks Gord

Here is a pic of the one I built ... The ball valves are actually before the Becketts now that I have it up and running ... I would post a pic of it working but it is due for a cleaning ... maybe next week LOL ... I am only using one Beckett at the moment which is fine so far

http://www.canreef.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=64

Cheers

Hey Steve;

Nice job on the skimmer build. Looks like you're a pro at the acrylic work. Sure can save a wack of cash when you build your own.

Re venturi noise;
I'm using a PM Bullet-2. When I first switched on the LG-4 pump the noise of air being sucked in was just scary. After scratching my head for a number of days I found several very effective simple ways to eliminate the noise.
Since I'm way off topic, I will shut up now!

If this issue arising on the DIY project ....

Kari

Kari,

Share the several very effective simple ways to eliminate the noise. :mrgreen:

:eek:
Rasta,
Wow - that's a nice looking skimmer you built. Would you consider building another one and then selling it to me?? I need a good one for my 500 gallon.