Mame "clone" skimmer

[scottishreefer]

I had been looking at the glass Mame skimmers for my pico reef (Fluval Spec) and I couldn't decide whether to bite the bullet and order one from Japan, but although they are a nice bit of kit, they are expensive for what they are. I also considered making a "clone" of sorts using acrylic. One Japanese website I looked at gave some of the dimensions for them so I decided to jot down those and guesstimated the rest by looking at some of the pictures I found. I looked up some glassblowers and sent a rough sketch of what I wanted and I managed to get someone to make me this.

I got hold of a stopper from a medicine bottle and got some glass tube to attach the wooden airstone. Added a bit of hose I had and here we have... a Mame "clone".

Just need to make myself a bracket of sorts to fit it properly in the filter section and get a better stopper and an airline elbow rather than a straight connector for the top just to tidy it up a bit, but its foaming nicely already.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Thats fantastic man, hellofa job there!!

 

[RichieT]

I had been looking at the glass Mame skimmers for my pico reef (Fluval Spec) and I couldn't decide whether to bite the bullet and order one from Japan, but although they are a nice bit of kit, they are expensive for what they are. I also considered making a "clone" of sorts using acrylic. One Japanese website I looked at gave some of the dimensions for them so I decided to jot down those and guesstimated the rest by looking at some of the pictures I found. I looked up some glassblowers and sent a rough sketch of what I wanted and I managed to get someone to make me this.

I got hold of a stopper from a medicine bottle and got some glass tube to attach the wooden airstone. Added a bit of hose I had and here we have... a Mame "clone".

Just need to make myself a bracket of sorts to fit it properly in the filter section and get a better stopper and an airline elbow rather than a straight connector for the top just to tidy it up a bit, but its foaming nicely already.

How much did the glassblowing end up costing you? Did you have to argue with the glass guy about what you wanted it for

 

[scottishreefer]

How much did the glassblowing end up costing you? Did you have to argue with the glass guy about what you wanted it for

Lol, I know what you mean, but no problems there. When I sent the email I stated it was a protein skimmer. Mind you a non aquarist would probably wonder what the heck that was. I got it done for £20 including delivery. As you can imagine, I was well pleased.

 

[psidriven]

you can also check out gnome glass skimmers. he's got some cool designs.

 

[scottishreefer]

Yes they are a nice design, but I'd have to pay at least $70 for one plus shipping to the UK so they are still an expensive option compared to what I have.

 

[Wildman926]

Very cool!