Biopellet Skimmer

[ramsey]

I was sitting here at work and I had an idea which I think would be awesome. Let me know if I'm completely crazy. I've seen quite a few threads on nano-reef regarding people with nano tanks wanting to run BP's but they only have room for either a small skimmer or a small BP reactor. To which I say, why not come up with a device that are combined? The small BP reactor would be on the bottom and the top portion would be a skimmer. In other words, the small BP reactor would feed into the skimmer. I would think it would be more efficient at removing mulm this way as well. What do you all think? I'm I crazy or am I on to something and need to start looking into a patent? :blushing:

I'm thinking that the BP reactor on the bottom would just feed water directly through the small piece of acrylic with holes in it, into the skimmer on top which would have either small skimmer pump or airstone to create the bubbles. The only problems I can see is first, having enough space for both to run (it being too tall for most nano's). Two, too much of a water pressure difference which causes the skimmer to constantly overflow.

[FireWater]

The pressure difference would most likely be the big tripping point. What about a designed side by side set up using a small footprint?

[ramsey]

That may work, I just don't know of the pellets would tumble properly or if the skimmer would be wide enough. I'm thinking about the chamber dimensions on a 29G Biocube. I don't think those chambers are wide at all. However, they may be. Anybody know what they measure exactly?

[FireWater]

Not off the top of my head. I didn't know you were talkin those kind of dimensions. I don't see it happening in that confined space. maybe something in the 2 nd chamber as that is the biggest of the 3, but then you lose all kinds of other things with filtration and in my opinion as a past user of the BC29 that chamber was better suited to use as a fuge and skip all the extra stuff. Maybe some kind of external device such as the Aqua C Urchin skimmers style?

[FireWater]

Look up Sapphire skimmers. I ran one of those on the BC29 for a while before I gave up. It might give you some ideas.

[FireWater]

If you do come up with something remember my royalty check for design input. :bigsmile:

[ramsey]

If you do come up with something remember my royalty check for design input. :bigsmile:

LOL, I will not forget you when I'm rolling in the dough McScrooge style!

[ramsey]

Not off the top of my head. I didn't know you were talkin those kind of dimensions. I don't see it happening in that confined space. maybe something in the 2 nd chamber as that is the biggest of the 3, but then you lose all kinds of other things with filtration and in my opinion as a past user of the BC29 that chamber was better suited to use as a fuge and skip all the extra stuff. Maybe some kind of external device such as the Aqua C Urchin skimmers style?

If the BP's work, you shouldn't need a fuge. The biopellets will provide your nutrient export. I'll have to think about it some more and maybe pick up an old biocube or something. I have a 12G nanocube but I don't see it happening in that tank for sure.

[FireWater]

These aren't the exact dimensions, but are to a skimmer that will fit directly into the 2nd chamber of a BC29 - -Dimensions 8 5/8"L x 2 7/8"W x 14 3/8"H.


I still think a dual tube device would be best. Pellet 1st then that drains directly to the pump for the skimmer. I am just not sure how to make it work for the difference in flow or pressure needed.

[ramsey]

These aren't the exact dimensions, but are to a skimmer that will fit directly into the 2nd chamber of a BC29 - -Dimensions 8 5/8"L x 2 7/8"W x 14 3/8"H.


I still think a dual tube device would be best. Pellet 1st then that drains directly to the pump for the skimmer. I am just not sure how to make it work for the difference in flow or pressure needed.

Well, either way, I think it's something people would buy if it was done right. Looking at the dimensions, I think the side by side design would work just fine. Now we just need Jack to build it! :P I may actually try to find a good deal on a used BC and start messing with it.