Seaclone Skimmer Modification

[newsalt]

I was going to build my own protein skimmer. When I went to order the acrylic tube, it was only available in 6 foot lengths. It would probably cost me more to do that than to get a Seaclone skimmer, besides, I'll be stuck with alot of leftover tube.

If I'm not mistaken, the Seaclone is a venturi type skimmer. I was going to build an air driven counter current skimmer. IMO, verturi skimmers are kind of noisy. Is it possible to modify the Seaclone and turn it into a air driven counter current skimmer? What would have to be done?

Thanks

 

[BoomerD]

There are several things that you can do with these to make them more efficient.
Here's a thread on modifying the Sea Clones:
SeaClone Modification

 

[newsalt]

I've read that article before. It seems that that article still has the unit operating as a venturi skimmer. I was looking for something that would have it operate as an air-driven unit.

 

[BoomerD]

Not sure why you would want to do this, venturi units usually are far more efficient than air driven ones, but you could just drill a small hole in the outer tube, above the water level, insert an airline & airstone, thread it to the bottom of the center tube, silicone it so it's completely sealed, and hook it up to a good air pump. Then disconnect the pump's venturi device. Many people do something similar with their bak-paks.

 

[newsalt]

I just thought venturi skimmers were too noisy.

 

[wooddood]

i have a 100 & 150 seaclone that i am not using at the moment but will be as soon as the new house is done.when i did have them both running on my 35 & 55 they worked great in my opinion and were not noisy at all.imo you dont need to modify them at all.just my personal opinion.

 

[addict]

The thing with turning the Seaclone into a counter-current skimmer is that it was designed as a venturi, thus, the design expects water to be forced into the body by a pump.
I don't think the airstone by itself would create enough air lift to suck water through the downtube (if used externally).
The seaclones are actually pretty quiet... nothing like a Skilter, which sounds like a vacuum sucking up gravel.
You might just give it a try in Venturi form, and if it's still too noisy for you then you can continue on with the conversion.
I will mention that it's a catch-22... you either listen to the noise of a submerged powerhead or the drone of an air pump.