Mojo~ 3.0 skimmer build

mojo · Nov 15, 2009

Well, The mojo mini was great, the cone was the next step. Then I bought a skimmer and i got the wrong size and had to sell it.

So with all that said I had to buy another. I searched and searched. Everything I liked has a sicce or well I cant see me using it long term or more than I wanted to spend. That leaves me one last option.

I am going to build yet another skimmer for my tank.

Here is what I am looking for in my skimmer.
No more than a 7 inch body as anything more ill have a hard time getting my filter sock out.

Footprint max is 8 by 13.5
max height is about 27
I want no rotational issues
Must be quiet
Easy to maintain.
and for my size system I would imagine something around 600 lph of air or so.

The ATB cone with small wheel like the one I just built is good but its a little too big for me.
The warner marine s and as 150's are good but the as 150 was a little more than I wanted to spend.

THe GSA 6 is pretty compact but it uses a stock sicce pump with a rotational volute.
The cs200 is in the same boat its too big for my system long term as well.

So, That leaves me to build one more. I almost bought my mini back from the guy but this time I am going to try some thing new.

Starting out I went with a 6.5 in cell cast acrylic tube. I ordered a Tunze 9410 hydro pump to power it. I have been wanting to play with one of these for a while. I ll keep you all up as the build progresses.

Mojo~

Elan · Nov 15, 2009

Awesome, why are the others too big "long term"?

mojo · Nov 15, 2009

The skimmer cups and bases are 8 inches and they get in the way of changing the filter sock.

smoothie · Nov 16, 2009

Can't wait to see the build

NauticaC4 · Nov 16, 2009

Here we go again! :)

mojo · Nov 16, 2009

Yea as much as I hate too. THe first one was fun. The second was wasnt as fun because I knew from the start the cone was going to be too big for me. I hope to guy who bought the cone likes it. The cost started going up quickly on it.
I actually bought a skimmer cheap on ebay to hold me over. so I can take my time. I want this to be perfect in every way. I want to put the pump internal most likely. and make it like a mini. I am not using PVC for the transition piece this time. I am using 2 inch thick Cell cast acrylic. Should be really heavy.

braddo · Nov 17, 2009

I cant wait to see the results. I have been looking all over for a review of the 9410.04 Hydrofoamer used somewhere other than on the Tunze 9410 or iTech 100.

mojo · Nov 17, 2009

yea I have been wanting to check them out as well. Should have it today. ill post pics tonight of the pump. Should work out really well i hope.

mojo · Nov 18, 2009

I opened the pump, Woot. First off the cover comes off so much easier than a sicce psk 3500. although very similar the pinwheel is about like a ATB small wheel. The magnet is super strong though. I was really suprised at how strong it was actually. I havent fired it up yet but soon enough.

Demonic · Nov 18, 2009

Always love seeing you test and now build the skimmers.
What skimmer are you using to hold you over?

J&O'sdad · Nov 18, 2009

:haha:A seaclone 100?

mojo · Nov 18, 2009

A skilter filter.......lol

Actually, I got a heck of a deal on a Bermuda bps 3c and a mag 7 pump. I dont have it yet. but thats what I am going to use. I did get the pump in last night. So ill have to updoad some pics of it.

Spyder · Nov 20, 2009

I think that you should continue building skimmers non stop just so I have something to read. LOL
Seriously though, I am excited to follow this build. If your last two builds were not up to your perfect standards then I can't even begin to imagine what will be happening with this one.

mojo · Nov 21, 2009

Well I ll have to get some pictures of the progress. The cast acrylic for the body, the pump and everything is here to get it done. I made the neck trasition piece last night. I still have to get a o ring. and mill out the slot for that. The neck is 2 " Cell cast clear acrylic. I am unsure if I will make it just machine finish or try to polish it out and make it all clear. I have the lid part way done but It has a little gouge in the top and its driving me nuts. I might remake it. We will see.

I will most likely be done with this one about the same time my backup skimmer shows up. lol.