Home made skimmer?

I found an LFS in my area and I really like the owners. Since I am just starting my tank I've done alot of shopping lately. I feel comfortable with these people.

I've been shopping for a protein skimmer, while I was in there the owner mentioned that her husband makes them. I asked her to show them to me.

I wasn't sure what to look for, but I did see brownish skimmate and it didn't seem particularly noisy, what she showed me was a hang on. But what I do have is a promise to help with any problems. The skimmer will be going into (not a hang on) a 20 gal long sump tank. I'm supposed to bring in the tank and he will put in the appropriate dividers and measure for the skimmer etc, they are also providing some used equipment ( pump and over flow box).

The main tank is 30 gal, so over all I'll have 50 gal of water. Hope this will make the tank more stable.

Anything that I should look for?

 

How much are they chargin? that's good it's pullin brown gunk.. any warranty? Yur def taking a chance, verses spending money on a tried and true unit. Ask for a 30 day guarantee.. that's what I'd do. DIY skimmers can be great, and can be bad. See if they'll let you do a trial or sumpin... lol. Me funny!

 

I have a skimmer that was made locally. I'm pretty satisfied with it overall. Also keep in mind that you won't have 50 gallons of water. Your sump will not be completely full - I have roughly 10 gallons in my 20 long DIY sump - most skimmers have water levels, and you want room in the sump for the tank to fill in the case of a power outage - your OF box will continue to drain to a set level.

 

Thanks both of you, Zach thanks for the heads up on only additional 10 gal (not 20).

All said and done, overflow, Eheim pump and skimmer about $150.00. THe only reason I'm considering it is I have faith ( and some good word of mouth) that they are reliable people.

Zach I noticed in your sig you have a Maxi 1800 pump return are you satisfied with it?

I'll be using an a little shut off gadget ( really technical term) in case of overflows.

 

selfless bump

 

ZachB has given you a good tip about water volume. Also keep in mind that your sandbed and your liverock will take up additional volume, thus decreasing the total water volume you can have. You will find that one great aspect of having a sump is that it helps to offset the water volume lost to the LR and sand.

 

how is the skimmer made?
with pvc, or acrylic, or something else?

 

I haven't had any problems with the MaxiJet so far, and I got a really good price on it ($30 new). I didn't need a high power pump as the return line does not have far to go, and I can still maintain a good GPH.

Are you putting baffles in your sump?

 

Onjinsan, the MOST overlooked part of a skimmer is air.... How much LPH does it pull? Also the next most important part is what pump does it use? How is it driven? Venturi? What is the body shape? I know this all sounds Greek to you but a skimmer is SOOOO basic but at the same time complex thats what puts a $89 Seaclone away from a $800 ATB or even a $300 ASM. AIR, PUMP, SHAPE in pretty much that order correspond to a GREAT skimmer!!

Good luck and happy reefing!

 

Hello Onjinsan, welcome! You have the right spirit, if you are comfortable with these people, give them a go. From your post I don't believe they are up to anything and since they told you they would help you, sounds like the making of a great relationship.