Converting Beckett to Needle Wheel (Help)

[Mapster]

Hello,

I want to convert my MR-2 skimmer to a needle wheel skimmer. I was wondering if anyone has done this and could post some pics / instructions.

Also would love some pump ideas. The more inexpensive the better. Would the Gen-X 6000 with needle wheel be a good pump for thei app?

Never had a needle wheel skimmer, only beckett. Never really modified anything either so any help would be greatly appreciated.

I was thinking to split the return to the sump to feed the skimmer from the overflow, then tapping into the box to feed the pump and ito the riser for the output. Did this sound right?

Thank You
MAP

 

[brianblack]

I don't have much tinkering exp with different skimmers but here is some info which may help you.

here are specs for the sedra pumps used in the ASM G series skimmers
Sedra 2500 rate 250 gph with 6 ft
Sedra 3500 rate 350 gph with 6 ft
Sedra 5000 rate 500 gph with 6 ft
Sedra 9000 rate 900 gph with 6 ft

I have a sedra 5000 on my creation the tube is 5.75in ID and 26 in high from bottom to bottom of cup and the bubble separator plate is 6in from bottom. the output is 1in and input is 3/4in ->
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16248

Why are you wanting to change to a needle wheel? - you may be able to get an idea on what pump would match-up good to your skimmer by looking at other brands that have similar body sizes. I do not know what you skimmer looks like inside the black box area but you should be able to find a skimmer that is close for comparison.

I bought the sedra 5000 thinking it may even over power my unit but I could easily run a 9000 on it. The gen x chart is in the thumbnail but I do not know if that is with a needle wheel in it. but your skimmer said mag 18 as a recommend pump which is a lot of flow which Becketts need so your output should be able to handle a decent pump.

Sift through this thread It gave me some ideas when I designed mine
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=88
I left my inputs and outputs unglued for now in case I had to change something,
hope this helps - there are a lot of other threads with skimmer mods on them here maybe skimerwhisperer has some ideas