Simple DIY protein skimmer

[jeffchapok]

So I decided to try a little experiment to see if I could make my own protein skimmer mostly out of stuff I already had on hand.

Equipment list:

Tube and tubing from a siphoning cleaner
Small air pump and air line
1 gallon fish tank
Limewood airstone

The airstone is the only thing I had to buy. It was $8 on Amazon

Here was the test of the prototype.

You adjust the amount of skimming by simply raising and lowering the tube in the water column.

Luckily, the tube fits just snugly into the filter cavity of my Fluval C4 HOB with the filter removed. I can slide the tube up and down as needed and it will stay in place.

Here's the thing in action. I guess this is what it's supposed to do.

 

[Gonebad395]

Pretty cool is it removing a nasty skim yet ?

 

[jeffchapok]

It's not really nasty, just a little yellowish. But it's a new tank, so I didn't expect much action yet. Obviously this isn't something I can leave in place, so I'll take it back off soon and maybe run it again in another month or so and see what happens then.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

That's awesome! You got the basic principle down. I'd keep an eye out and cautious with it wanting to start a siphon, I could see it eventually creating a full siphon.

 

[jeffchapok]

That's a great point. I'll make it a point to never leave it running unattended, thanks!