Bubble Magus Curve 5 protein skimmer modification

[AChappy35]

So this is my very first post on this site after getting advice for a couple years, thank you all! But my stupid specific problem involves the Bubble Magus Curve 5. Ultimately, i want to know if I can shorten the output control tube. I assume it's as tall as it is because it needs to match the internal water level of the protein skimmer main body without overflowing,. But if I assume I keep it tuned properly and only the bubbles get higher than the tube height, can I cut a few inches out of the tube itself without any negative effects? I can elaborate more on my situation, but as I said, ultimately this is my problem.

 

[GoVols]

@AChappy35
First off:
Thanks for signing up and Welcome to the Reef 2 Reef, Family

Are you talking about making the stand pipe shorter?

 

[AChappy35]

The water output adjustment tube, the pipe you rotate to control the water flowing out. It's the white tube with a red cap thats a little shorter than the top of the collection cup. I stupidly bought this unit not realizing how ridiculously tall it is and it just barely doesn't fit in the cabinet underneath my tank (see picture). I am planning to hole saw a 6 inch hole for the collection cup but I'm ok with this because I can check on it and pull out the cup easier this way. And I can still slide the entire sump in and out while the cup is off. Now I think I'm gonna have to raise up the skimmer a couple inches when it's in my sump to get it in the proper operating range which then puts the tube too high as well. I could just hole saw another hole but I'd prefer not to, and it would be a pain to get the sump/skimmer in and out. I've toyed with the idea of raising the entire shelf but that would require taking the cabinet apart and making new doors (which honestly as I type this is sounding more and more like what I have to do).

 

[AChappy35]

And now I see your post updated with the picture, yes that tube

 

[GoVols]

#reefsquad

Do you guys think @AChappy35 will be okay with "cutting down" the adjustment pipe.

If the bottom has a grove to hold the red o-ring, then that needs to be factored in too.

 

[DLHDesign]

I've got a Curve 7 and I assume that the pipe is designed the same. The only way I see that you could shorten the pipe would be to cut some pipe out of the middle. The bottom is specially cut to control the airflow; the top has the red cap glued onto it. So I could see cutting the pipe in the middle, trimming it some, and then using a coupler to join the pipe back together in an airtight seal (which is critical).

Assuming you got a good, airtight seal while doing that (and kept the cap top above the water line), I can't see any reason why it would negatively affect the skimmer's ability to function as designed...

Note that the air intake is also up near the top. You'll want to make sure this has unrestricted flow, otherwise the skimmer will have issues. If it were me, I'd look into replacing the skimmer with one that fits the cabinet better. It's likely not the cheapest option, of course, but it seems like the best approach to me. To each their own, of course.

 

[AChappy35]

That was my initial thought, take a miter saw or table saw and get a clean cut removing a portion of the middle and gluing/caulking it back together but I just had an idea. I think I could chop a couple inches off the top (including the cap) then use a pvc to tubing connector like in the picture attached and run tubing out and up behind the tank. That way it still has the height it needs (and then some) to match the water level but I don't need that height directly above the skimmer.

 

[DLHDesign]

then use a pvc to tubing connector like in the picture attached and run tubing out and up behind the tank.

If you make dramatic changes to the intake, it's possible that it could mess up the function of the skimmer. Not really sure where you hit "dramatic" versus "acceptable", however...

 

[AChappy35]

And regarding the air intake, I mounted it upside down and connected the tube to the other side so it shouldn't be an issue. And yeeeeeaaaahhhh I should have measured prior, planned it out better, etc, etc but I got real excited about my first saltwater tank, did my research and picked out what I thought was the best bang for the buck, and bought the pieces over time (the tank was black friday, the skimmer was early december). I could always sell the skimmer and get a shorter one but I'm more stubborn and would rather use the parts I want and adjust accordingly.

 

[AChappy35]

dangit I keep taking too long to type my reply and don't see other replies until after I post haha. But I think if I modify the control tube as described and keep the intake tube upside down but otherwise unmodified this should work. But of course I'm open to other opinions. I'm here for advice, after all

 

[DLHDesign]

I mounted it upside down

Note that it can fill with some water - which is why the tubes are set the way they are. I don't imagine that it'll have issues upside down, but just a heads-up that it may do that.

 

[AChappy35]

Ok, well I'm less worried about the air intake tube. Since it's literally tubing running to the air intake/muffler, I can mount the air intake right side up at a higher location pretty easily. Again, I agree I should have planned for the space I had a bit better, but I want the magus! haha

 

[DLHDesign]

It IS a nice skimmer; I don't blame you.

 

[Matthew Frost]

The issue with cutting that pipe is the way it gets removed. I have the same skimmer, it has to slide out of that top brace so an external coupling wouldn't work if you cut pipe out of the middle because you wouldn't be able to pull the pipe out or put it back in. You could use a flexible hose but it would make adjustments/tuning difficult. The lowest you would really want to cut it is having the red cap sit down on the shoulder of the brace. If that doesn`t give yo the clearance I would suggest shopping for something else. And remember, if yo do go the trimming route the pip will have to be reconnected with an internal coupling.

 

[CJS80]

I've toyed with the idea of raising the entire shelf but that would require taking the cabinet apart and making new doors

What about removing the shelf, cutting it to fit between doors and trim piece, and put hinges on it. You lose the shelf but you gain the extra space, and only have to cut 1 board.