DIY skimmer project

Arolee999 · 03-09-2009, 12:13 AM

I am in progress of setting up another 2ft cube FOWLR tank.
Because the tank located in my living room, so i am not planning to use chiller.
This DIY skimmer is a out sump type which less heat transfer from the pump to tank water.

The skimmer body is using 3mm thickness PVC sheet roll up using hot air gun and welded using PVC.
Here's the spec of this skimmer:
Skimmer: Diameter 7", Body height 13", total height with skimmer collection cup 18".
Due to my cabinet height limitation. Maximum height can only up to 18" only.

Pump: Hailea 1750L/Hr x 2pcs

Here's the picture before assembly. The outflow PVC pipe not yet cut to actual length because still under leak test.

Leak test with freshwater, both pump on for an hour. Also tested the water temperature using a digital thermometer.

My goodness, the water temperature shoot up to 36.6 degree!!!

Wonder what temperature will be for my tank without chiller or fan.
I am planning to use gravity feed rather than another feeder pump for this skimmer.
Also planning for a out sump return pump as well. Any advise welcome.

laken · 03-09-2009, 09:56 AM

Looking really good.

Btw bro, did you get ur 2feet cube tank set brand new? Hw much? Can PM me pls.

I guess fan/ice would solve your prob.

I normally freeze 3/4 1.5l water bottle (those mineral type).

Morning, i would put 1bott in the tank. And if i am at home, i'll change it abt 2-4hrs later. If not will wait till evening and change again. And change one more before i slp

Hope it helps. I am also running a fowlr, thus temp fluctuation shld not be much of an issue to my livestocks!

21-11-2009, 01:14 AM

maybe you could use a fan to lower the temperature down..
are u using T5 or MH?

21-11-2009, 01:59 AM

bro, really impressed on your creation, but will it cause harzard? Cos i tried DIY other stuff before, the water surface got electric.....

12-03-2010, 09:33 AM

Very innovative indeed, thanks for sharing the picture

09-06-2010, 07:32 PM

real creative. i shall try your invention out. looks feasible.

16-06-2010, 11:50 PM

Thumbs up for your design, looks good

BadRobot · 17-06-2010, 08:40 AM

Hope can share the updates when its skimming.

Good iniative...

Thumbs up

25-07-2010, 06:24 PM

any update ??

03-09-2009, 12:13 AM	#1
Arolee999 Dragon Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 965	DIY skimmer project I am in progress of setting up another 2ft cube FOWLR tank. Because the tank located in my living room, so i am not planning to use chiller. This DIY skimmer is a out sump type which less heat transfer from the pump to tank water. The skimmer body is using 3mm thickness PVC sheet roll up using hot air gun and welded using PVC. Here's the spec of this skimmer: Skimmer: Diameter 7", Body height 13", total height with skimmer collection cup 18". Due to my cabinet height limitation. Maximum height can only up to 18" only. Pump: Hailea 1750L/Hr x 2pcs Here's the picture before assembly. The outflow PVC pipe not yet cut to actual length because still under leak test. Leak test with freshwater, both pump on for an hour. Also tested the water temperature using a digital thermometer. My goodness, the water temperature shoot up to 36.6 degree!!! Wonder what temperature will be for my tank without chiller or fan. I am planning to use gravity feed rather than another feeder pump for this skimmer. Also planning for a out sump return pump as well. Any advise welcome. Last edited by Arolee999; 03-09-2009 at 12:24 AM.

03-09-2009, 09:56 AM	#2
laken User Under Moderation Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 492	Looking really good. Btw bro, did you get ur 2feet cube tank set brand new? Hw much? Can PM me pls. I guess fan/ice would solve your prob. I normally freeze 3/4 1.5l water bottle (those mineral type). Morning, i would put 1bott in the tank. And if i am at home, i'll change it abt 2-4hrs later. If not will wait till evening and change again. And change one more before i slp Hope it helps. I am also running a fowlr, thus temp fluctuation shld not be much of an issue to my livestocks!

21-11-2009, 01:14 AM	#3
jEm Guest Posts: n/a	maybe you could use a fan to lower the temperature down.. are u using T5 or MH?

21-11-2009, 01:59 AM	#4
diretiamo Guest Posts: n/a	bro, really impressed on your creation, but will it cause harzard? Cos i tried DIY other stuff before, the water surface got electric.....

12-03-2010, 09:33 AM	#5
w_kby Guest Posts: n/a	Very innovative indeed, thanks for sharing the picture

09-06-2010, 07:32 PM	#6
youxiang93 Guest Posts: n/a	real creative. i shall try your invention out. looks feasible.

16-06-2010, 11:50 PM	#7
oak Guest Posts: n/a	Thumbs up for your design, looks good

17-06-2010, 08:40 AM	#8
BadRobot Arofanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 239	Hope can share the updates when its skimming. Good iniative... Thumbs up

25-07-2010, 06:24 PM	#9
kurt03 Guest Posts: n/a	any update ??

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