DIY Protein skimmer for 1600gallon system

[JCSaltwaterFishandCoral]

Awesome! Cant wait for updates.

 

[AlexG]

Awesome! Cant wait for updates.

The skimmer has been working out great. I did add a modification to the neck of the skimmer to restrict airflow which has also helped to increase performance. Here are some pictures I just took.

 

[flagg37]

@AlexG, is this thing still going strong? Are you going to use it for your new build or do a new one?

 

[AlexG]

@AlexG, is this thing still going strong? Are you going to use it for your new build or do a new one?

Just took the pictures for you. Oh yea this skimmer is going to be awesome on my new system. I properly tuned the gravity feed for the new system so the water line is up to the bottom of the skimmer neck. I still have the 3in spacer in the skimmer neck to increase outward air pressure. I have some ideas for modifications to make it even better but it would be overpowered for 2100 gallons with a light bioload. Once the main display is online I will be enhancing its power. Muhahahaha.

 

[flagg37]

In seeing the BK/MRC/Lifereef costs for skimmers, I may be doing something similar.

 

[AlexG]

In seeing the BK/MRC/Lifereef costs for skimmers, I may be doing something similar.

These are all great well proven products. There were simple financial numbers to make me want to go the DIY route. I only spent ~$1000 to build this skimmer back in 2016 and estimated it would cost 3-5K to purchase a similar commercial grade skimmer. As far as skimmers go as a filtration device we are blowing bubbles into water as a means of waste extraction via foam. Its such a simple principal and does not require significant engineering to make it work well. Since I like engineering challenges the skimmer was a great DIY project which as proven itself to work great, save a bunch of $$$, and its something to be proud of.