Can you DIY a protein skimmer? How?

[XanderPR]

Been looking at protein skimmers online and they are very expensive! Was wondering is anyone had tried to create one themselves (using a purchased skimmer pump) to fit their specific needs? PCV, molded plastic, I have access to 3D printer as well if this gives anyone any ideas!

 

[LiveFreeAndReef]

Been looking at protein skimmers online and they are very expensive! Was wondering is anyone had tried to create one themselves (using a purchased skimmer pump) to fit their specific needs? PCV, molded plastic, I have access to 3D printer as well if this gives anyone any ideas!

https://reefbuilders.com/2015/07/01/archives-1-mame-nano-skimmer-clone-ghettofabulous-diy-deal/
cool little DIY skimmer

 

[littlebeard]

Back a long time ago I tried to make my own. Ultimately I failed. I found that I didn't have the tools or the skills to do it properly and was wasting money attempting it. If you do find an instruction manual, price it out, you might not be saving much.

I get that many of these skimmers are ridiculous price, but the reality is the technology hasn't changed that much and the skimmers themselves are fairly well built. The only thing that really wears out is the pump.

Have you looked into used skimmers? It's one of those pieced of equipment I would buy used.

 

[jeffchapok]

Mine is more or less homemade. I took the enclosure from a broken one a friend gave me and gutted the pump. Then I just placed a lime wood airstone in the bottom and ran an airline to an old air pump I had lying around. I put a small valve on the airline so I can adjust it. It works great.

 

[SPS2020]

DIY...or buy used. You'll find great bargains from people frustrated with the hobby.

 

[Spieg]

My last 2 skimmers have been used and cost $100 or less.

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

Buy used. +1
Only thing will be you will have to replace the pump eventually anyways.

You can find 1 from pictures. Dual air stone driven. I will throw a YouTube video up.
I suggest magnets and dual airstones though vs the video. Also get a good size air pump with dual outlet.
D

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

*you can diy one from pvc. Stupid auto correct

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

You can up the size of it by using larger diameter pvc and a 2 liter pop bottle.
D

 

[XanderPR]

Back a long time ago I tried to make my own. Ultimately I failed. I found that I didn't have the tools or the skills to do it properly and was wasting money attempting it. If you do find an instruction manual, price it out, you might not be saving much.

I get that many of these skimmers are ridiculous price, but the reality is the technology hasn't changed that much and the skimmers themselves are fairly well built. The only thing that really wears out is the pump.

Have you looked into used skimmers? It's one of those pieced of equipment I would buy used.

I hqve looked in some forums, but feel the prices are still a bit high. 1 to 3 years of use get discounted 30 to 50 dollars. I will keep looking and hopefully find something cheap. Any used equipment site recommedations on that would be appreciated!!

 

[XanderPR]

Thank you!!

 

[XanderPR]

My last 2 skimmers have been used and cost $100 or less.

Did you get them on R2R?

 

[XanderPR]

Mine is more or less homemade. I took the enclosure from a broken one a friend gave me and gutted the pump. Then I just placed a lime wood airstone in the bottom and ran an airline to an old air pump I had lying around. I put a small valve on the airline so I can adjust it. It works great.

I might try this. I have a broken husk I can use! Thanx!!!

 

[Spieg]

Did you get them on R2R?

No, got one off Craig's List and the other from LFS.

 

[XanderPR]

No, got one off Craig's List and the other from LFS.

Gonna check with my LFS then! I've got offer up, but hqvn't seen anything below $200.

 

[Imrahilwjz]

Back a long time ago I tried to make my own. Ultimately I failed. I found that I didn't have the tools or the skills to do it properly and was wasting money attempting it. If you do find an instruction manual, price it out, you might not be saving much.

I get that many of these skimmers are ridiculous price, but the reality is the technology hasn't changed that much and the skimmers themselves are fairly well built. The only thing that really wears out is the pump.

Have you looked into used skimmers? It's one of those pieced of equipment I would buy used.

I agree, but after my experience, I would replace the pump which is a tiny fraction of the total cost of the skimmer. My pump cracked and introduced copper and zinc to my system in lethal levels for invertebrates