Skimmer opinions

[DonW]

Its time for a new skimmer. I was thinking 10" diameter 2ft tall. What do you think is better tall and skinny or short and fat.
With the above dimentions I was planning to use two needle wheel pumps one for inlet the other for recirculation.

Don

 

[big t]

Why don't you make it fat and tall? That is the best imo. That will be nice, it will be a euro-deltec-turbo

 

[DonW]

Why don't you make it fat and tall? That is the best imo. That will be nice, it will be a euro-deltec-turbo

I've got 28" of height in the stand and 11" width. I think I'll fake it and cram in the biggest I can fit. I may go with 6" diameter just because the 10" tube would cost as much as a euroreef skimmer complete.

Don

 

[big t]

Where are you checking your plastic prices @? Check tap. You should go w/ at leas 8" as it is only a couple bux more then the 6", and why not?

 

[DonW]

Where are you checking your plastic prices @? Check tap. You should go w/ at leas 8" as it is only a couple bux more then the 6", and why not?

I was just searching the web last night the cheapest was $150 per ft. I need to do more research before I rule it out. After 8" the price really jumps.

Don

 

[big t]

Ya I need to do more research. The plastic guy at my place was telling me, that when it gets to the bigger stuff they cast it in a centrafuge type thing, and it is a expensive process.

 

[DonW]

Tom,

How is your skimmer working out? Does the adjuster work ok? I was thinking your design would fit best in my sump. Are you still in CA? Have you seen extruded that large?

Don

 

[big t]

Hey Don

My skimmer is kickin ass big time. I love it, and am going to make a nicer version from 8" cast tube for myself.

I talked to Tap today because I needed to anyway and the prices go like this there, (cast) 6" is $27.10, 8" is $59.40, and 10 is $84 per foot. The largest extruded is 6" and it is 16.30 per foot. Hope that helps. I am on a quest to find some 12" tube for a customer who wants a big skimmer .

 

[bigreefer]

who wants that big ol skimmer

 

[DonW]

I'm almost ready to consider external to make more room in the sump. Whats your opinion on running the ocean runner connected to a hose submersed in the sump. Also a second ocean runner external for recirculation.

Don

 

[big t]

If it was me Don, I wouldn't do it like that. Personally I don't think that is worth the risk. I don't know if you have a oceanrunner yet, but I wouldn't run one external. The housing for the impeller takes about 1 ounce of pressure to twist it off and it would drain all the water out of you skimmer onto the floor . If you wanted to run it external, I would just feed it w/ both the pumps and drain it thru a gate valve back to the sump. I wouldnt be too worried about recirculating it because you will have a lot of contact time anyway w/ a large and tall reaction chamber. I am personally not a big fan of external skimmers due to the fact that they can quickly drain your sump if they go 'nuts' This could be prevented w/ a safety cutoff in the collection cup, but that is just one more unnecessary risk imo.

 

[DonW]

Probably better safe than sorry. I looked into the Sedra with the Euroreef impellor but you have to be euroreef owner to get one. According to the Premium Aquatics site you need your registration number.

Don

 

[big t]

There are places I have seen where you can get it, but the price is very high, over double the oceanrunner. I don't think its worth the extra bux, plus their impeller is pretty fragile, where the oceanrunner impeller is tough as nails, and works awesome.

 

[DonW]

Ok I'm going to cheap and use what I have. This 6' 6" extruded. I think if I build a round table top put a lamp shade on top my wife wont mind it being in the living room :badgrin: .

Don

 

[big t]

I think that my wife would kick my a$$ if I even suggested putting a 6' skimmer in the living room!

 

[DonW]

I think that my wife would kick my a$$ if I even suggested putting a 6' skimmer in the living room!

Oh come on honey its a coat rack. Ok picture this. 6 3/4 x 6 3/4 x 6' frame and panel oak box (3 sided) stained dark to match my fireplace and stand. At the top could be two antique sconse (sp?) lights. Below those could be big brass coat hooks two on the sides and two on the front. Add the the fancy mouldings and a turned top decoration.

WALA you made the wife a coat rack. Now wait for her to go to the store, then slide in the skimmer.

Don

 

[big t]

That sounds pretty cool Don, but how do you think the wood would react to a 6' salt air breathing monster within?

 

[jlehigh]

Hey Guys, I was looking to locate a Sedra 5000 or two with a needle wheel impeller and customer aquatics does carry them for 84.95. Is this different then from the sedra on premium aquatics requiring Euro reef warranty ID? If not you could get what you are looking for from our sponsor custom aquatics (though they are out at the moment)

 

[big t]

Well I don't think that you can get it that cheep. Usually it is around 130 w/ the needle wheel impeller that you would want. Call custom aq, and ask if they can get you the impeller that you need.

 

[jlehigh]

How should I refer to the proper needle wheel then? Is it made by Euro reef but packaged with the sedra? I told them I was hoping to use the pump on a skimmer and needed the needle wheel impeller to create the bubbles/foam..

They have the pump for 69.99 and 84.99 with the needle wheel impeller.