Modding an Old Eshopp skimmer

[PPBlimpy]

Got this skimmer with my 300g. Pretty old school. Sure it will work for now but I think I am going to do some mods to it.

20years ago when I was reefing I built everything.

I have the body of internal skimmer from a CPR sump that is 4”, same diameter of the top for the Eshopp. Going to machine a bubble plate to ad to the bottom of the 4” extension. Ad a collar to use the original collection cup.

The extension has a tube from the original cpr setup that I am toying with adding another needle wheel pump and turn into a recirculating skimmer.

Not sure how this one performs stock but I should be able to do these mods for little to no $$$ investment.

I will have to run the water height higher, probably right below where it necks down

Thoughts??

 

[Peace River]

My recommendation is to go for it. If it works, then you have an improved skimmer. If it doesn't work, then you will have learned along the way. The main caveat is the question - what will you do for a skimmer if it doesn't work and it is no longer usable? If you don't have another option (such as have backup, buy another, etc.), then proceed with caution. Good luck!

 

[theMeat]

Would mod the needle wheel into a mesh wheel and see what you get. Should be more and smaller bubbles and improve things a bunch
Following along to see what you come up with

 

[PPBlimpy]

My recommendation is to go for it. If it works, then you have an improved skimmer. If it doesn't work, then you will have learned along the way. The main caveat is the question - what will you do for a skimmer if it doesn't work and it is no longer usable? If you don't have another option (such as have backup, buy another, etc.), then proceed with caution. Good luck!

I should be able to return it back to original without many problems

 

[PPBlimpy]

Would mod the needle wheel into a mesh wheel and see what you get. Should be more and smaller bubbles and improve things a bunch
Following along to see what you come up with

That’s a good idea. Will start with this and if it’s promising I will look into the mesh wheel.

 

[PPBlimpy]

Going to test fit it tonight in my current system. Approx 150 gallons with a pretty high bio load. currently have a magus 7 and I dont feel like it is keeping up.

Going to see how it performs stock for a week or two, then I have some parts to 3d print i have designed and see how well I can get it working before adding the extended neck.