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  1. RandyStacyE

    Different PVC Skimmer

    I picked up the Bristle Disks up at Napa. I have absolutely no idea how they will perform I haven't glued them on the impeller yet. I will but I've been real busy lately. I believe Fastenall has them too. Many auto part stores carry them. I was tempted to try the Gutter Wheel deal. There are...
  2. RandyStacyE

    Different PVC Skimmer

    There are ways to convert a stock impeller into a needle wheel. I started one quite a while back but just haven’t finished it yet. I grinded off most of the paddles. BEFORE: AFTER: I started with a 3M Roloc Bristle Disk, shorted the bristles, reduced its diameter and drilled a guide hole...
  3. RandyStacyE

    Different PVC Skimmer

    I assume your air line is 1/4" ID. That's all I use now. Be careful not to block or restrict the inlet too much or it can cause the pump to loose a lot of flow and choke on too much air. That can cause your 'venturi' to loose much efficiency. If the pump chokes on 'too much air', though it...
  4. RandyStacyE

    Different PVC Skimmer

    Looks like a rock solid skimmer to me! Isn't it surprising as to how well a standard impeller will work? I think needle impellers just make micro bubbles more efficiently than paddles do. They definitely reduce the flow rate of the pump, but can handle more air and chop air up better in return...
  5. RandyStacyE

    Different PVC Skimmer

    That's the cool thing about Uniseals, you don't have to glue them or anything. They suggest wetting the PVC pipe that you will be shoving into the Uniseal with Windex. You don't have to use Windex. Some prefer not to use it for fear that it will contaminate their tank. I used Windex. I don't...
  6. RandyStacyE

    Different PVC Skimmer

    Just joint the union to the drain fitting using a short length of 2" PVC. I didn't glue it. The union and the drain fitting are both 2" slip.
  7. RandyStacyE

    Different PVC Skimmer

    This should clarify it. I also added it to the web page:
  8. RandyStacyE

    Different PVC Skimmer

    The union is actually female slip on top and bottom. A small length of 2" PVC joints the drain fitting to the Union that has been shortened (I just cut the union shorter). You're right though, the text in that step does need some work. It states that is shows 'before' and 'after' the...
  9. RandyStacyE

    DIY- Converting my stand into a sump!

    Did you apply a bead of the LRB/TAV mixture between the glass and the wood just before you set the glass in place?
  10. RandyStacyE

    DIY- Converting my stand into a sump!

    How is it coming allong? Any news? I'm curious to see how you will be plumbing into the stand. Are you using a cabinet beside the stand to house your ballast etc...? Are you planning on installing baffles in this sump?
  11. RandyStacyE

    DIY- Converting my stand into a sump!

    That looks great. From what I’ve read, I believe a thick LRB membrane is typically applied horizontally. In a new build, one could flip the tank or use LRB/TAV mixture to be applied vertically in 1 thicker application. You should be just fine. If it looks seamless and no holes, it will be...
  12. RandyStacyE

    DIY- Converting my stand into a sump!

    Anxious to see! Any progress?
  13. RandyStacyE

    DIY- Converting my stand into a sump!

    Will you be using VHO or any special lighting over that sump?
  14. RandyStacyE

    DIY- Converting my stand into a sump!

    That is very cool! I once went to a local TV repair shop and in the back was dozens of huge console televisions. They just throw them away. I thought to myself, this would make such a cool aquarium! I thought I could just line the interior with plywood. I almost placed an order for Sani-Tred...
  15. RandyStacyE

    Different PVC Skimmer

    A bummer and good fortune at the same time.
  16. RandyStacyE

    Different PVC Skimmer

    Nobody is going to believe this … well maybe. I just removed the GX2400 in order to swap it out with a MUCH larger pump w/needle wheel. I removed the venturi and decided to clean my GX2400 needle wheel before I retired it. I thought gee, how come my needle wheel doesn’t have any needles? I never...
  17. RandyStacyE

    Different PVC Skimmer

    I’ve got it runnin under a 55 gal. I liked making the skimmer rather than paying an arm and a leg for one. I liked the ‘Snailman PVC Skimmer’ but found that 6” fittings were not cheap at all. I would love to have built an acrylic skimmer, but didn’t want to go that expensive either. When I found...
  18. RandyStacyE

    Different PVC Skimmer

    I checked out your thread ... thats one big skimmer. Looks great. The drain fitting sure saves a lot of screwing arround doesn't it? It seems to skim just fine as it, but it will be better!
  19. RandyStacyE

    skimmerstein

    I once used a WP-4 pump from Aquatic Eco and put a EuroReef impeller in it from Custom Aquatic. It works excellent and a perfect fit. http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/8787/cid/2142 I don't know this for a fact, but I'm pretty sure that is equivalent to a Sedra...
  20. RandyStacyE

    Different PVC Skimmer

    I got a little overanxious and raised the outlet pipe a tad too much which eventually overfilled the skimmer cup. So I wasn’t able to show pics of what was skimmed after a couple of days. This is a pic a few days after that incident: I did do a good size water change just before I installed...
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