?? on DIY SKimmer

[gjuarez]

I want to build a protein skimmer. I dont know if I should go with a beckett venturi or a regular venturi using a needle wheel pump. THis will be used on 75g tank. I have 2 x 15" and 6" diameter acrylic tubes and some other small acrylic sheets. I want a skimmer that is going to skim very wet. Does anybody have any plans they can post here? Any reccomendations? ANy things I should keep in mind? Becket or venturi? What do you guys think? Pete and all other DYIers, I need your input.
Jerry

[gjuarez]

If you have pics of DIY skimmers please post them too.

[::pete::]

I want to try the needle wheel ... just haven't had time, but its coming ... ;) . There is nothing wrong with a beckett, but they require a little more maintenance.

[hobogato]

the becket i made, with alot of advice from pete, is a single becket with a ball valve on the drain to control the water level in the tube, and im pushing it with a mag 12 - it is pulling about 1/2 gallon of liquid skimmate that looks like green coffee. there is a pic in my gallery on the 3rd page. basically, do a google search for diy beckett skimmer, and lots will pop up. ill pm ya a couple of pictures of the bottom, so you can see how i plumbed the inside.

http://www.maast.org/modules.php?set_albumName=hobogato&op=modload&name =gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php&page=3

[LoneStar]

Although I did not make my own, yet, here is some photos of the one I bought. They show the inside good enough to get some more ideas for your project.
http://www.triggersys.com/

[brewercm]

Nothing at all agains the beckets, but I bought an ASM G3 with the the Sedra needle wheel and love the fact that the pump uses much less power than the becket would require.

Here's a good site if you just want to get the pump or other parts for one, that stupid pump is rediculously priced also. You can also find them from time to time on ebay.

http://www.asmskimmer.com

[matt]

I'd like to build a recirculating skimmer as well, to try something different and it's for a small tank. They look pretty simple. Beckett skimmers are great for larger tanks. 75 gallon is kind of on the edge; I guess you could go either way. There are many plans and ideas on reefcentral, you'll have lots to read. Have fun!

[gjuarez]

Thanks for all the input guys, I really appreciate it. As far as the needle wheel, does anybody have any suggestions for pumps?

[::pete::]

The ocean runner is your choice unless you make your own needle wheel and fit it to a pump. They are working on one for sequence pumps.

[brewercm]

Like pete said, oceanrunner or sedra are your best bets.

[LoneStar]

Wow a needle wheel for a sequence pump? That will be some massive bubbles. :o

[brewercm]

You could have a 6 foot tall and 10 inch diameter chamber for it.

[gjuarez]

yeah i was looking at the ocean runner, and I think I may just go with that one.

[::pete::]

yeah i was looking at the ocean runner, and I think I may just go with that one.

wise choice grasshopper ... as its your only one. ;)

[gjuarez]

That was the only one I had heard of. A friend has one on a turboflotor and it works amazing. I think for my 75 gallon I may have to go the needle wheel route. My 75 may be too small for a beckett.

[gjuarez]

I have a precision marine bullet 2 skimmer and it is rated for 250 gallons. Does anyone have any experince with this skimmer. DO you guys think its too too big for my 75? I still want to make my own but its there as backup.

[::pete::]

Handles up to a 150. It should be fine as a skimmer. If you are looking to build one let me know and we can do it on a Saturday or something like that.

[gjuarez]

Cool, I will let you know Pete. I am due for a trip to San Antonio.