DIY protein skimmer idea

WhiskeyCoffee · Mar 15, 2017

So I was watching a video by DIY Fish Keeper and I thought for the hell of it I'd try to make a protein skimmer (I had most of the parts collecting dust in my garage). Does this look like it would work?

I added the elbow piece on the side which you can see some bubbles coming out because I figured the water needed a place to go after rising up from the bottom.

Also don't mind the algae... I'm in the process of getting right of my refugium heh.

Gator1970 · Mar 15, 2017

Looks like you're getting some good foaming at the very least! You using an air stone, or needle wheel/Venturi pump?

WhiskeyCoffee · Mar 15, 2017

Gator1970 said:
Looks like you're getting some good foaming at the very least! You using an air stone, or needle wheel/Venturi pump?

Just an air pump and a wooden air diffuser.

Gator1970 · Mar 15, 2017

WhiskeyCoffee said:
Just an air pump and a wooden air diffuser.

Really cool! It looks very effective - are you using a valve to dial in the bubble production? I guess since it's in your sump, you don't need a pump for water circulation - the bubbles draw water in form the bottom, which eventually makes it out the elbow fitting?

WhiskeyCoffee · Mar 15, 2017

Gator1970 said:
Really cool! It looks very effective - are you using a valve to dial in the bubble production? I guess since it's in your sump, you don't need a pump for water circulation - the bubbles draw water in form the bottom, which eventually makes it out the elbow fitting?

I do have a gang valve which I could add to bleed off air pressure to control bubble production. Good idea actually, thanks!

Bubbles and water flow upward, water goes out the elbow and bubbles collect at the top.

WhiskeyCoffee · Mar 16, 2017

So if there is a light brownish color water collecting in the cup is that skimmate? I dumped it out before thinking but I'll try to take a pic next time I see.

Gator1970 · Mar 16, 2017

WhiskeyCoffee said:
So if there is a light brownish color water collecting in the cup is that skimmate? I dumped it out before thinking but I'll try to take a pic next time I see.

I would say it's probably skimmate- if you dial back the bubbles a little, you might get a darker, more concentrated skimmate.

luke33 · Mar 16, 2017

Its skimmate. Not sure how big of a tank it will work for but its a diy skimmer : ) If your water doesn't fluctuate then it will consistently produce. The most efficient skimmers are air stone driven.

WhiskeyCoffee · Mar 16, 2017

luke33 said:
Its skimmate. Not sure how big of a tank it will work for but its a diy skimmer : ) If your water doesn't fluctuate then it will consistently produce. The most efficient skimmers are air stone driven.

It's a 29g w/ a 10g sump. The skimmer is located in the 'middle' chamber so the water level will never change.

luke33 · Mar 16, 2017

Then your good to go, only maintenance will be dumping the skimmate and cleaning the air stone once and a while.

WhiskeyCoffee · Mar 17, 2017

So... Skimmate? Also, out of morbid curiosity I smelled it and I'm not exaggerating in the slightest when I say it smelled like human urine. Like if I didn't know any better I would think someone "provided" as we like to say in the industry. Is that normal?

luke33 · Mar 17, 2017

Its skimmate. If you move your skimmer up slightly (lowering the water level internally) it should build up a thicker foam head and get darker.

Kentech5 · Mar 17, 2017

WhiskeyCoffee said:
So... Skimmate? Also, out of morbid curiosity I smelled it and I'm not exaggerating in the slightest when I say it smelled like human urine. Like if I didn't know any better I would think someone "provided" as we like to say in the industry. Is that normal?

Yeah the stuff always stinks. Ive heard some people say it smells like patchouli?