Seaclone Skimmer Modification

newsalt · 01-06-2004, 12:34 PM

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 · 01-06-2004, 12:51 PM

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 · 01-06-2004, 01:39 PM

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 · 01-06-2004, 02:06 PM

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 · 01-06-2004, 03:01 PM

I just thought venturi skimmers were too noisy.

wooddood · 01-06-2004, 03:08 PM

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 · 01-08-2004, 03:23 AM

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.

01-06-2004, 12:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
newsalt Torch coral Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 576 View Gallery Karma Komment	Seaclone Skimmer Modification 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

01-06-2004, 03:08 PM	#6 (permalink)
wooddood the wood dude Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CARMEL. INDIANA Posts: 3,450 View Gallery Karma Komment	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. __________________ 120 gal/in wall tank/starboard substraight/2 250 watt 10k xm metal halides/ 4 55watt 03 actinics/150lbs lr/scwd on return/scwd on a closed loop/aquaclear aquatics 200 pro wetdry w/skimmer. ask all the questions you have if we cant answer it we'll make up some thing. remember patience is the key to a kick ass reef. dave.

01-08-2004, 03:23 AM	#7 (permalink)
addict Reef Lobster Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Sierra Nevada Country Posts: 1,621 View Gallery Karma Komment	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. __________________ -David *addict's tank specs:* Coming soon!

01-06-2004, 12:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
BoomerD Reef Shark Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Northern California Posts: 5,613 View Gallery Karma Komment	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

01-06-2004, 01:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
newsalt Torch coral Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 576 View Gallery Karma Komment	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.

01-06-2004, 02:06 PM	#4 (permalink)
BoomerD Reef Shark Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Northern California Posts: 5,613 View Gallery Karma Komment	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.

01-06-2004, 03:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
newsalt Torch coral Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 576 View Gallery Karma Komment	I just thought venturi skimmers were too noisy.

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