making a custom protein skimmer?

MSB123 · Apr 21, 2019

Has anyone done this? My new tank will be about 400 gallons total volume. I will heavily stock it and I am looking into making my own skimmer.
1.) How should I do this?
2.) What pump should I use?
3.) Can I use a media reactor and then make a custom top?

joseserrano · Apr 21, 2019

Here is a guy that did it, but I’d imagine you’ll end up spending more on time and equipment than what it would of cost to just buy one.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/alexgs-basement-plywood-build-2-displays-one-system.209737/

ca1ore · Apr 21, 2019

Building your own skimmers isn’t likely to be a significant cost savings, but if it is something you’d enjoy doing than go for it. Skimmers just aren’t that complicated. Many of the ‘innovations’ over the last decade are more marketing than anything else.

For 400 heavily stocked gallons I’d think you’d need something bigger than a media reactor.

Cory · Apr 21, 2019

If you build a giant skimmer out of pvc or abs pipes and dont care if its pretty, there are significant savings. Paulb built a pvc one. Im in the process of an abs skimmer. Ill be using my return pump which i already had so its just the plumbing cost. About 50$

joseserrano · Apr 21, 2019

Cory said:
If you build a giant skimmer out of pvc or abs pipes and dont care if its pretty, there are significant savings. Paulb built a pvc one. Im in the process of an abs skimmer. Ill be using my return pump which i already had so its just the plumbing cost. About 50$

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