My new DIY skimmer

[CHEAPREEF]

Yep no bubble return, that's the same deal. The water level never went past 1/2 way up the first riser at any time, even with the air added. Here you can see from this pic, where the brown slim starts is where the water level was set.



Clinton

[Dale D]

Thanks for the help CHEAPREEF.

I guess I'm not used to these types of skimmers (powerful and efficient ). I'm used to the type where you have to keep the water/bubble level pretty much right at the top of the skimmer (in the collection cup riser)in order to get it to produce any skimmate.

It's hard to believe that you can leave the water level so low and still get it to produce.

This has all been a big learning experience for me. Thanks again.

[AJ_77]

How much for the HOT skimmer??

[CHEAPREEF]

Originally Posted by Dale D

Thanks for the help CHEAPREEF.

I guess I'm not used to these types of skimmers (powerful and efficient ). I'm used to the type where you have to keep the water/bubble level pretty much right at the top of the skimmer (in the collection cup riser)in order to get it to produce any skimmate.

It's hard to believe that you can leave the water level so low and still get it to produce.

This has all been a big learning experience for me. Thanks again.

I'll let the skimmer speak for itself.

Originally Posted by AJ_77

How much for the HOT skimmer??

How much what? Did i build it for? Around $25 and about 4 hours for the first one, i hate all the design time. Or are you wanting one built? Cause that's a whole nother ball game

Clinton

[smokinreefer]

DaleD/Cheapreef,
what kinda pump do you have running those skimmers of yours?

[CHEAPREEF]

On the beckett a Little Giant 4MD-SC, on the spray injection Mag7.

Clinton

[Dale D]

Smokin'

I don't have a pump for it right now, but, I was thinking about using a Mag 18 or 24. I don't know if a Mag 12 would be big enough.

I was trying it out at the store using a Laguna PJ 6 (1640 gph) But, I don't think (or know) if the Laguna's produce enough pressure to run this kind of skimmer properly.

CHEAPREEF

Any suggestion of what make and size of pump I should be using.

[CHEAPREEF]

Well if you don't like the little gaint pumps (which worked awsome for me) i would either go with a GenX MAK4, Iwaki MD40RLT or a Mag 18 or better. You want a pressure rated pump, as the beckett takes about 600gph right off the top, the more pressure the better it's going to work.

Clinton

[CHEAPREEF]

Dale, you ever get that thing skimming?

Clinton

[Dale D]

Clinton

I finally got it hooked up this week.

It has taken me a little while to get used to adjusting it, but, I think I have it figured out. Trying to figure out if more air equals more bubbles or bigger bubbles. Or if less air equals less bubbles or smaller bubbles. Just have to get myself used to making an adjustment and then giving it sometime to settle in and do it's thing.

I read your post on RC about how feeding or putting your hands in the tank can effect the skimmer. I have noticed a drop off in production after I worked in the tank. I just have to learn to leave the skimmer alone and let it start producing on it's own again without fiddling with the settings. It's been a new learning process so far.

I hooked it up to a Mag 12 for now just to see how it will work with that size pump. I was thinking of using a Mag 18.

So, here come the ?'s

Are the Mag pumps considered pressure rated pumps?

Would I get finer bubbles using a bigger pump? Mag 18 compared to a Mag 12?

Or should I be looking at getting a MAK 4, Little Giant, or something along those lines.?

Thanks Dale