Adding drain in skimmer cup

[TriggerFinger]

I have a reef octopus classic 100 HOB skimmer on my 29g. Is there a way to safely drill a hole in the collection cup so I can add a drain line?

I just hooked it up today and I’m scared it’s going to over flow. First time salt tank owner with a new skimmer. Don’t need a flood right now!

 

[James M]

Your Skimmer shouldn’t overflow, you can dilate the skimmer with the airline

 

[COreef8]

You could drill a hole in the collection cup and add a small bulkhead with a drain line that goes to a collection bottle or bucket. A 1/4” drain line should work as long as you skim fairly wet.

 

[Billldg]

You will have to monitor the Skimmer until it breaks in, then you will be able to judge it and fine tune it. I have a Vertex 180i and I have the foam break just below the top. The problem I see with a drain line is that it may keep you from cleaning out the collection cup. I don't mind cleaning it because it forces me to watch it as the foam break does change a little from time to time and require me to fine tune it a little.

 

[TriggerFinger]

I don’t mind cleaning it out either. I’m just away from home for almost 10 hours when working and being this is my first set up, I have no idea what’s going to happen. I have a larger skimmer for a larger tank and the collection cup has a drain tube attached...5 gallons is easier to catch overflowing than the 10 oz collection cup. How do I drill a hole in acrylic?

 

[TriggerFinger]

Your Skimmer shouldn’t overflow, you can dilate the skimmer with the airline

You raise the cup up and down, air line isn’t adjustable I don’t think.

 

[Billldg]

I don’t mind cleaning it out either. I’m just away from home for almost 10 hours when working and being this is my first set up, I have no idea what’s going to happen. I have a larger skimmer for a larger tank and the collection cup has a drain tube attached...5 gallons is easier to catch overflowing than the 10 oz collection cup. How do I drill a hole in acrylic?

What ever u do u don't want to drill at a low speed as acrylic is susceptible to chipping. Knowing myself, I would just use my 20v dewalt drill at high speed. I would check to see if a drill bit is available for acrylic, I'm sure their is.

 

[COreef8]

I don’t mind cleaning it out either. I’m just away from home for almost 10 hours when working and being this is my first set up, I have no idea what’s going to happen. I have a larger skimmer for a larger tank and the collection cup has a drain tube attached...5 gallons is easier to catch overflowing than the 10 oz collection cup. How do I drill a hole in acrylic?

Acrylic is easy to drill through. I think they make special drill bits for drilling through plastic but I’ve just used standard drill bits. Since that skimmer cup is square you can just put a standard 1/4” bulkhead on it. I think the hole diameter is about 1/2” and the bulkhead costs $4-$5. You’d want to get the bulkhead first and check the side before you drill though.

 

[MikeyA]

Personally I wouldn't drill the skimmer cup. It's thin acrylic, and if you add to much pressure or heat from drilling you could shatter the cup. Also the skimmer is still breaking in give it time and you'll see the skimmer settle down and become more consistent with its performance.

But if you feel you really must drill the cup and add a drain line. Then use light pressure using an acrylic bit. Use water to help with lubrication and to help keep the heat down. Do not use a bit designed for wood!

 

[TriggerFinger]

I’ve got the cup raised high enough that the foam doesn’t go up the tube. It’s white foam right now...this will turn darker as it’s broken in right?

 

[TriggerFinger]

Is this normal since it’s new?

 

[MikeyA]

I’ve got the cup raised high enough that the foam doesn’t go up the tube. It’s white foam right now...this will turn darker as it’s broken in right?

Yes it'll start producing better skim as it breaks in Give it time and be patient. That's the name of the game in this hobby patience