homemade skimmer

[tlcoralss]

what is the best base shape for a skimmer?

 

[Orchidcrazy1]

6 inch PVC

 

[Chompers]

Round.

 

[Chompers]

Unless you are building a square skimmer.

 

[joekool]

Lol

 

[joekool]

Here's a picture of mine while cleaning it.

 

[Chompers]

I'm just having fun with the above answers. The proper answer is 'all of the above' or 'none of the above'. It all depends on your skimmer design. The basic shape doesn't matter. The bubbles are round and they are going to do what they are going to do. You can build an awesome square/rectangular skimmer such as a Remora (C, Pro, Nano) or even this

 

[joekool]

Chompers I have a dirtbike near fish tank equipment in my garage too. Lol cool looking skimmer.

Also I see the drywall was patched on the ceiling in the garage. It still looks like its going to fall some time from now. I've fixed many of these issues. Easier to just remove and install new drywall on the whole ceiling. Then paint with a satin gloss minimum finish so the humidity doesn't absorb into it and make it brittle.and if not your ceiling and just some photo you found than I guess you got nothing to worry about

 

[Chompers]

I have built a skimmer with a round body with a square base and it worked well (I still have it but it is out of service for the time being). I am collecting parts to build several cone skimmers too. Cone skimmers gained popularity/desirability for a while. Manufacturers liked them because hobbyists couldn't replicate them easily. Hobbyists liked them because they look cool. They do have an advantage in that the cone directs the bubbles to the collection cup. But you can work with any shape to do that.

After messing around with many skimmer designs (including turning a Sea Clone into a decent skimmer), I have found that the secrets to a great skimmer is the following:
-It should be recirculating. The recirculating pump should have a needle wheel impeller.
-If it is not recirculating, the feed pump should have a needle wheel impeller (or any bubble chopping design).
-The water column/bubble column should be adjustable. This is normally done with a water flow valve on the output of the skimmer.
-It should have an air control valve. This also helps control the bubble column, and bubble quality. It also controls the skimmate quality.
-The collection cup should be self draining to a separate collection container. If an event causes the skimmer to produce wet skimmate, it often will cause the collection cup to overflow.
-If the bubble column needs help reaching the collection cup, an air pump with an air stone in the skimmer will work wonders.

(It's going on midnight and my brain has already gone to bed. I may add to the list later.)

 

[Chompers]

Chompers I have a dirtbike near fish tank equipment in my garage too. Lol cool looking skimmer.

That isn't my skimmer, but I also liked the design. It is a true work of art.

Good call on the garage ceiling. My garage is having the same issues but on a grander scale. The builder used nails on ours rather than screws. After a roof leak during the hurricanes, it has been coming loose in areas. It is at that brittle stage were the repairs aren't doing it. The screws go right through without holding... and we are looking at replacing it all.