DIY nano protein skimmer build

[Mwhitedesigns]

Hey guys,
So I finally have all my parts that I need to build my protein skimmer. I didn’t want to spend the money on a reef glass or mame so here I am. My goal was to spend around $20. It was hard finding an affordable circular tube to house my wood stone. So I found a 1” OD square tube which was actually perfect because the air stone is square.

I wanted to start a thread to walk you through my build process. Below are the pieces I have so far. Note that I had to buy some items in multiples (marked with *) but the prices shown below are the costs for the individual part.

I’m doing my weekly water change tomorrow and plan on fabricating this and installing it at the same time. I will keep you guys updated!

1- square 1” OD tube - $12
*1- Air elbow - $.05
1- Adjustable air flow regulator - $.$25
*1 - Square end cap - $.80
*1 - limewood air diffuser - $4.50
3' air line - $2
Total: $19.60

 

[Mwhitedesigns]

Went ahead and drilled the holes for the air adjuster and elbow.

 

[Mwhitedesigns]

Here we are fully assembled. Unfortunately my daughter stepped on it and cracked the tube right before I was going to install it. Waiting on another tube and in it will go! I will update again when its installed.

 

[Rakie]

If you aren't happy with the results the Aquatic Life 115 skimmer is like $30 and works well for anything upto biocube size.

 

[Mwhitedesigns]

Thanks Rakie. I did take a look at that but i wanted the smallest footprint possible. The lowest price i could find was $50. In addition it's 3 times larger than this one.

 

[Dj City]

Any progress reports on this?

 

[Mwhitedesigns]

This has been up and running for a few weeks and it’s working great! I don’t have much room for it to stick out of the tank due to the shelf being close to the top (in a bookshelf). However I still get a light brown skimmate. I did temporarily allow it to sit high and increase the oxygen flow to maximize the bubbles exposure to O2 and the skimmate was noticeably darker and smellier.

 

[Dj City]

Can you tell me where you got your materials from?
Maybe provide links?
I want to build one.

 

[Mwhitedesigns]

Will do. Let me gather everything together. Note that i did have to purchase some of the items in bulk (5-10 pieces per package). I do have a bunch left over. I can sellthem to you for a few bucks to save some money if you’re interested. Just DM me.

 

[Dj City]

What do you use to hold the skimmer in place on your tank?
Do you have some kind of bracket? If so...
please show us.

We would love to see this skimmer on your tank.

 

[drewsan]

Can't wait to see your tank with ur skimmer

 

[Mwhitedesigns]

Hey guys,
Sorry I’ve been MIA. It’s been pretty hectic. See the pics below. Currently i just have this wedged in the corner with some live rock.

 

[reeferKen]

Looking good, appreciate the update and pics.

 

[Adamantium]

I bought a Reef Glass Nano Skimmer (nearly identical design) about two weeks ago, and this thing is the bomb for my nano. Works SO much better than the piece of junk Coralife Biocube Skimmer I was using before. It pulls out super dark skimmate.

Nice build! The Reef Glass was a bit pricey, so this is a great alternative.

 

[reef r madness]

Nice job ... I'm thinking about making one... Got any pictures of the skimmate

 

[beastium]

Nice! I'm so glad I found this thread. I'm about to build the same thing with a 1 1/4" od square tube.

 

[beastium]

Whats the air volume output of the air pump you're using?