Direct feed to Skimmer

[Dogeatbird]

My goal is to start a conversation concerning direct input of an overflow into a skimmer. There is little information concerning this subject.

The main advantage of direct input is concentration of excess nutrients into the skimmer reaction chamber. Secondary advantages are the stable water head height inside the skimmer. Thus the feed pump only is injecting the fractionated water slurry; either by needle impeller or induction.

The first disadvantage is that, by and far, majority of skimmers are not a recirculating design. Another is the additional maintaince schedule created by the additional detritus accumulation. Finally, overflow feeds need to be screened to prevent accidental livestock capture.

I would appreciate the community thoughts, and experience concerning this subject matter.

Thank you for you time and input.

 

[mcarroll]

Wasn't the Turboflotor 1000 the commercial skimmer that did this back in the 90's? I think I recall some folks hooking up ETSS's this way too? Mostly I remember DIY skimmers like this.

 

[ATAquariums]

You can somewhat do these with a recirculating skimmer. Unsure this is worth all this effort. If you are having such bad nutrient issues you can find many ways to reduce them.

 

[Dogeatbird]

The ETSS was an induction type. Similar to the AquaC’s or current models of the Bashsea Twisted skimmers.

I am going to try direct feed on a Bashsea 6-30. It did require modification to the induction line.

I believe that most recirculating types(Reef Octopus) can simply plume into the second port. Since I do not have that brand I cannot speak about that.

For non recirculating skimmer it may be possible to feed by adding a port with a uni-seal. I wouldn’t recommend connecting directly to the Venturi/pump. I thought no that would be an obvious point of constriction.

 

[ATAquariums]

I’m just not seeing the huge added benefits for the trouble

 

[Dogeatbird]

You can somewhat do these with a recirculating skimmer. Unsure this is worth all this effort. If you are having such bad nutrient issues you can find many ways to reduce them.

Yes there are multiple ways to export/circumvent nutrient management. I am trying to explore the possibility of increasing efficiency.

Direct feed skimming is placed before any mechanical process. Similar to the Triton Method, of Refugium chamber first. Placing the gross debris into the algae bed. Both ways reduce the dependency on mechanical removal.

 

[mcarroll]

BTW, it's only "extra" bother if you have a system set up some other way. If you're starting from scratch, it's more or less the same bother overall.

IMO it's a concept I think about doing all the time, but in many scenarios it's not practical. Let me find one that is, and I'm gonna have one set up this way too...just to try it even if it's "meh" when running.

Did @Paul B ever run a DIY skimmer that way? Seems like maybe so....but having trouble with the memory cells. :)

 

[Dogeatbird]

I thought I’d share my setup for direct skimming, and my hopes for what will be achieved. A little backstory first; my display is 30”wide x 48”long x 25” high. My skimmer choice was the Bashsea 6-30.

I choose this skimmer because I wanted an external unit, sized to my display. I elected to go external to maximize sump space. Also the Bashsea does induction skimming. (Does not use a needle impeller pump.)

As it happens the first skimmer house arrived damaged, so now there were two housings. I did have to beg to pay for a replacement upper flange assembly, but a little hard work is good for the soul.

So the Bashsea 6-30 is rated min 150 g -250 g; flow min 750 gph -1200 gph, which corresponds with my total system volume. Only downside is sump exchange ratio. This means it will be over processing the water being fed from the sump.

My solution was to input water directly from the display. Rebuild a broke housing to make an algae reactor, and plumb the two chambers in parallel. Design acces for preventative maintenance, and hope that my hypothesis will mimic what nature achieved with scale.

 

[Dogeatbird]

Often the choices made; on a system setup, filter type, method used, is personal preference and popular results. Pictures posted about this application, post of design choice. Feedback and communication within a forum not only educates by can also influence a growth in our skills and hobby.

I started this thread because I am setting up my system. I am choosing to try direct feeding of my skimmer. I am seeking opinions, experiences, and feedback on my choice.

 

[PPBlimpy]

I am looking at either building a diy direct feed skimmer or seeing it I can modify a skimmer I already have to direct.

Back 20 years ago I had built one for my 180g mixed reef and it worked really well and kept a lot of crap out of my sump. Thinking about doing this again.

 

[Dogeatbird]

Any recirculating skimmer can easily be converted into direct feed.

Port the overflow directly into the feed ( water input)

Recirc pump is the one with the air intake.

 

[Dogeatbird]

Additionally a uniseal can be added to the reaction chamber.

 

[Dogeatbird]

Ultimately it comes down to form and function.

Direct feed does concentrate detritus, into the skimmer body.

Does it increase export?

Possibly. But routine maintenance and tuning a skimmer also makes an impact.

Either way, direct feed or traditional; skimmer performance is user dependent.

Wet skim-mate/ Dry. Routine cleaning. All affect export.

 

[commod0re]

Reef Octopus makes external skimmers that might be well suited to something like this

 

[Dogeatbird]

MRC Pro line of skimmers also can implement direct feed.

 

[Dogeatbird]

My final thoughts as the “OP” are:

Export of detritus via filter socks/ filter rolls are proven solutions. Although both filter socks/rolls do have cost/routine maintenance protocols that have to be followed.

Mechanical entrapment is only effective when routine are followed.

Just as routine maintenance of traditional skimmers requires body/nexk cleaning.

Pumps periodically need cleaning and inspection for wear/tear.

Triton method exports via algae harvesting.

All systems do have points of failure that will eventually be expressed.

 

[Dogeatbird]

As well as cost.

Planning helps overcome most, but any hobby ultimately takes some…

If what you receive outweighs the cost, justifies the effort then pursue your joy.

 

[mcarroll]

how have you been liking this set up since you started it back in October?

Any current pictures?

 

[Dogeatbird]

I am enjoying it. The tower on the left has a led strip, so it functions as an algae reactor.

Additionally I discharge my CaRX effluent into the algae RX.

Maintenance is a chore, but only every 6 months. The joys of de-calcifying.

Weekly clean the skimmer body and harvest algae.

One of these days I will post a current photo.

Thank you for your interest and feedback.