Skimmate Drain

[LbulletM]

Anyone have a go-to method for adding a skimmate drain to a skimmer that doesn't have one?

(in particular, Reef Octopus 110SSS)

 

[Crabs McJones]

Anyone have a go-to method for adding a skimmate drain to a skimmer that doesn't have one?

(in particular, Reef Octopus 110SSS)

could you
drill a hole in side of collection cup, and use a hose barb with a nut and some silicone to seal it?

 

[LbulletM]

That's what I was assuming. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to destroy a perfectly good skimmer cup trying to drill it.

 

[Flippers4pups]

I would advise adding a electric float switch to the collection cup if you do this. Why a electric float switch? If the skimmer, for whatever reason decided to overflow (like while away on vacation) it could drain your system.

You can do this relatively cheaply, costing around $40.

You need to skimmer float switch and the controller.

http://autotopoff.com/

Or go with a skimmate locker, which is more money, but same principal.

https://www.avastmarine.com/products/djsl

 

[Crabs McJones]

That's what I was assuming. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to destroy a perfectly good skimmer cup trying to drill it.

Just go very slow and light pressure when drilling so the acrylic doesn't crack. Similar to how you drill a tank :)

 

[LbulletM]

I would advise adding a electric float switch to the collection cup if you do this. Why a electric float switch? If the skimmer, for whatever reason decided to overflow (like while away on vacation) it could drain your system.

You can do this relatively cheaply, costing around $40.

You need to skimmer float switch and the controller.

http://autotopoff.com/

Or go with a skimmate locker, which is more money, but same principal.

https://www.avastmarine.com/products/djsl

Yup, I'll probably do a DIY one with an optical sensor rigged up to the APEX.

Just go very slow and light pressure when drilling so the acrylic doesn't crack. Similar to how you drill a tank :)

Always! Thanks for the affirmation. I feel better about it haha.

 

[redfishbluefish]

If I had a skimmer cup that did not have a drain, and I wished to add one, I'd use a straight barb with a straight smooth connection. The reason is that a threaded with a nut adds too much height within the cup, not allowing complete draining. And, in you got a NPT threaded barb, you'd then need the tap to cut the threads for that barb. So use smooth straight and attach with "plastic" silicone. Also cut the smooth part so it's even with the floor of the cup.

As far as the skimmate reservoir, you can DIY one for pretty cheap. HERE's the link to the one I made. The sight tube is not necessary....it starts to stink way before you need to empty it.

 

[Crabs McJones]

If I had a skimmer cup that did not have a drain, and I wished to add one, I'd use a straight barb with a straight smooth connection. The reason is that a threaded with a nut adds too much height within the cup, not allowing complete draining. And, in you got a NPT threaded barb, you'd then need the tap to cut the threads for that barb. So use smooth straight and attach with "plastic" silicone. Also cut the smooth part so it's even with the floor of the cup.

As far as the skimmate reservoir, you can DIY one for pretty cheap. HERE's the link to the one I made. The sight tube is not necessary....it starts to stink way before you need to empty it.

Good call :) so basically drill a hole that's just the right size so the smooth side is press fit and then silicone to prevent leaks?

 

[redfishbluefish]

Good call :) so basically drill a hole that's just the right size so the smooth side is press fit and then silicone to prevent leaks?

Yep! But I'd actually put this special silicone on the piece going into that hole.

The reason I'm using a straight barb coming out is that I don't know were the skimmate container is. So I use an elbow on the tubing going to the container and this way I can easily adjust. Hard to see, but it's a straight barb coming out of the cup to a short piece of tubing connecting the elbow.

If the elbow was attached to the cup, I'd always have to make sure the cup was facing in the right direction.....too difficult.

 

[Flippers4pups]

My reef octopus nwb150 has a drain built into it, so I'm lucky on that one. If I go skimmate locker on it, I'd want a "wiper" on the cup to complete it. Maybe someday soon.

 

[LbulletM]

Mine, unfortunately, has to come out of the side rather than the bottom.