DIY Protein Skimmer

[Akshay]

Starting a DIY Protein Skimmer project.
My sump has a height of 24" and most "good" skimmers are around that or just a few inches more , so I thought this isn't really rocket science so why not give it a go.

Here are the initial plans. Using 5mm acrylic tubes & plates are 5mm & 10mm.
These plans may change over time, mostly the inner tube in reaction chamber might be increased to 8" & the inner tube in collection cup might be reduced to 5".

Will be working on a DIY needlewheel or mesh pump aswell. Thinking of converting a 4800lph pump for this.

All advice/ input appreciated.
(PS: Cannot use any cone design as that would need a mould cast)

 

[DaveK]

Your design seems to be good. However, there is a reason that the good skimmers are taller. In a skimmer contact time is everything, so a taller skimmer tends to me much more efficient. You might consider building your skimmer, but placeing it outside the sump and stand.

As for the design itself, I would add a drain fitting to the collection cup. You'll be surprised how much "glop" can be collected by a skimmer. I would also construct the skimmer so you can easily clean it, especially that plate with all the holes in it. Skimmers can get very dirty when in use.

 

[Akshay]

Height and space are my biggest constraints. Right now it's all taken up, so cannot change that.

Yup the drain fitting was on my mind. Will drill a hole and have a silicone tube with a valve put in.

About the plate.. my present skimmer does not have one.
In your experience does it tend to get clogged? I am thinking of expanding it to 8"
Do you think the 5mm holes are ok or should I make them bigger/smaller.

For cleaning purposes, instead of gluing the bottom plate, I could make a locking system.
Only problem is then that wouldn't be water tight. But I guess that should be ok, coz the water at the bottom is anyways on its way out of the skimmer.

 

[Akshay]

The pump, with a DIY Venturi & Modified impeller.

Used a hard plastic brush.

Attached it to the Impeller.

And that's how it looks in the pump.

Output without silencer.

An airstone used at the top of the silicone tube, acts as a silencer. Absolutely no noise now.

Air output with airstone silencer is reduced, and it pumps in more water than air.