adding a drin plug to my skimmer cup

[tattoosmitty]

I'm sure this is easy but just curious how you folks do it?

[BigKGlen]

Depending on the clearance around the bottom of the skimmer cup and body of the skimmer, you can look to put in a straight or 90 degree fitting. Also dealing with clearance, either a 1/8" or 1/4" fitting. If using a 90 degree, make sure you will be able to turn it without hitting the skimmer. The fitting is a threaded barb, fine threads on the cup end and a saw-tooth looking, slide on fitting for the drain hose. Drill a hole in the bottom of the cup, as close to the outer edge as possible. Once again, clearance. If drilling the bottom isn't going to work, drill into the outer wall of the cup, as close to the bottom as possible. If you have the tools to 'tap' threads into the hole, ok. If not, drill the hole big enough to allow the fitting to slip in...snugly. Glue or silicon the fitting in. Slide the hose on the barb, and you're all set.

HTH

[tattoosmitty]

thanks I was thinking along the same lines. What size tubing? 1/4"? Also does the tubing have to travel downwards to the new collection jug.( the whole way down?

[BigKGlen]

It's gravity draining the cup, so, yes, the tubing needs to graduate downhill. 1/4" or 1/8" or even bigger, depending on the size of your skimmer and clearances.

[erikharrison]

1/4" should be perfect. Just don't press the drill, let it do the work. If not, you'll end up with a nice crack in your cup!

[tattoosmitty]

thanks guys. It's just a reef octopus but I'm tired of dumping that dang thing every other day.

[erikharrison]

thanks guys. It's just a reef octopus but I'm tired of dumping that dang thing every other day.

AMEN! I hated doing that too.

[caferacermike]

I'd probably go at least 3/8". Skimmer NOG is very thick and could easily line the tubing, dry and harden into place. For my ER skimmer I plan to remove the added 3/8" fitting and exchange it for a 1" bulkhead.