diy skimmer w instructions/plans/and good directions!

[georgeortiz]

Here is another DIY skimmer link I found. It actually has some good directions.
http://www.tonmo.com/cephcare/DIYskimmer.php
enjoy!

[phage]

are you making this skimmer yet? If so, how much did it cost you for all the parts (not including pump)?

[georgeortiz]

Phage,
I am currently building a versin based on the link previously mentioned and this one: http://www.qis.net/~ckkuehn/Skimmer.htm. You can see the box I put together on my skimmer in action thread under the diy forum.

[phage]

Yeah, i figured that was it, just trying to get an idea of how much it cost to buy all the stuff. I'm probably going to build one myself pretty soon. One question, the other thread says you are making a beckett, but are you using the original plans still? I am unfamiliar with a beckett (I've heard people talk about them, not exactly sure what it is/does), and am just trying to figure this stuff out before i start building and realize i couldve built something better. Thanks

[matt]

Beckett is a brand name of a small nozzle made for foaming fountains in watergardens and ponds. Skimmer builders have found that these nozzles work well for skimmers when enclosed in the right kind of housing.

[phage]

is the only change from the original plans then the replacement of the "clover" bent PVC with a beckett? or does the overall skimmer design have to change as well?

[matt]

The clover is a copy of the aquaC design. The beckett has specific housing requirements; and does not do as well when attached directly to the skimmer box. I can't coment on that design; I remember looking at the plans and noticing it was another aquaC copy. Since I don't think the aquaC skimmers work very well, I wouldn't bother copying one. Plus, there are some patent issues with aquaC that should be respected.

[phage]

If I am building it for myself, to use myself, and not sell, i dont really see any patent issues. And if there are, I don't really care. I am building something as much for entertainment as I am to save money. That, and with patents being given out for everything from "... auctions using computers, databases, and the Internet ..." to "the process of transmitting compressed audio or video online", and god knows what else, it may be hard to make anything that isn't patented pretty soon. Wonder if someone has patented a glass box that houses fish yet. Not trying to gripe at you, more a general annoyance with how patents are given.