75g Build...finally!

Instead of spending money on a new skimmer, you could do the mesh mod on the one you have and save some cash.

 

Found this on a web search:


1) Remove impeller
2) remove ALL needles from impeller disc with dremel or razor blade.
3) drill a half dozen of so holes in the impeller disc. (theres already 4 just add a few more)
4) cut desired mesh material into a square a bit bigger than the disc.
5)make a hole in the middle of the mesh for the bearing and shaft.
6) take some fishing line and sew the square of mesh material to impeller disc using the holes you just drilled.
7) break out the scissors and trim the mesh until it fits "nice and clean" with no rubbing on the inside of the volute, but as close as you can get to it. it will take a few trims to get it good. this is the most important step, take your time and just keep trimming,just keep trimming,trimming,trimming.
8) enlarge the venturi air hole as big as you can.
9)re-assemble the pump and hook it back up to the skimmer. (dont forget the airline)
10) sit back,crack a beer, and watch your collection cup over flow.
11) realize that you really need a gate valve on the outlet to make adjustment easier
12) add gate valve
13) sit back again with another beer and be amazed at the amount of skimmate over a stock impeller.

 

Will do!

 

Looks great so far.

-What light bulb do you use over your fuge? Is it anything specific?
-What size wood did you use to make the canopy?

 

The fixture over the fuge is a cheapo walmart special clip-on floodlight ($5 I think) and the actual bulb is a compact flourescent floodlight...5,700K I think. this too you can find at walmart or home depot or something...total cost=$15

The wood on the canopy is 3/4" plywood and 1"x2" for the internal framing. The canopy is actually only covering the sides and front...the top is open and allows for heat to escape.

I've also attached a $5 fan behind the canopy for air flow. Even with all this lighting on the tank, the temp never tops 78.

 

Look for a light similar to this PAR38 Reflector 16 Watt / 5100K: Light Bulbs Etc, Inc.

 

I just got back from Lowes because we don't have a Home Depot here...I found two types of 3M pads and am wondering which one, if any, I should use. The first two pics are of a green pad, and the 2nd two pics are of a dark blue pad. Are one of these the correct one?

 

Anybody?

 

yeah that may work, its worth a try although it will probably break apart afterawhile. I used gutter guard, just cut it in a circle and zipped tied 4-5 sheets on my octopus and its working 3x as better!

 

I would use the Blue one.