Mojo's cone skimmer build

[mojo]

Well for those who surf another website you might have seen that I built a cylinder skimmer like a bk mini 160 with a external pump.

So I thought I would start my Cone skimmer build here. I ll be posting some pictures later today. It is taking me some time but its starting to come together.

Mojo~

 

[JR's Reef]

Cant wait. Ill be following this for sure. I might even try this myself

 

[customcolor]

about time you spread the love....not every one goes from one site to another like me


it one hech of a build so pay attention every one!!!

 

[sleeper]

following along, please post total cost of supplies if you don't mind.

 

[mojo]

Well so far the acylic circles cut from local plastic place were $60 I just wanted to make sure they were perfect. So I had them CNC cut.
4in Diam neck $15
8 in tube (collection cup) $35
Circles $19x3 =$57
Pump would cost about $100 plus I made a custom volute like on the mini airstar. I ll get pics up here in another couple hours. Hae soem frags to go deliver.

 

[Azurel]

Sounds interesting......Will be following.

 

[Plan>B]

Great... found your build here... will you be 'adding' to the other sites thread?

 

[herpboyben]

hey mojo, why cant you do the skimmer reviews anymore? if it none of my business please tell me, its just that your reviews have been very helpful. keep up the good work on your skimmer.
Ben

 

[ficklefins]

I really enjoy seeing these DIY type of builds. You get to see different things in everybody's pictures that make you rethink your tools and techniques. So Mojo, are there blueprints out there or is it all in your head?

 

[mojo]

Well, This is a build thread but just so everyone knows. I was told that I was not allowed to buy a skimmer with my own money and then sell it to just buy another to review. I was not allowed to really do any more skimmer reviews then I guess. So with that said . I will do any reviews on skimmers on Reef2reef from now on. I talked to the admin here at reef2reef and was welcomed with open arms. Everyone here has been very laid back and great to talk too. Not so political. ok.
Now on with the build....

Ok here is my cone body sitting on a 8.5 in 1/4 in black acrylic circle. I have two more to make the collection cup. I have two pieces I have cut out of pvc for the neck seal for the cup to the top of the cone. I have the bubble plate made as well.

As far as drawings. I did make some to dbl check dimmensions. but nothing concrete as things change whe you start making the skimmer.

Here is what I have to work with so far....

 

[mojo]

Notice another Mini airstar type sicce pump.I will make a custom reducer most likely to fine tune the pump to the body. I would say my range in just changing he reducer is from 30 to 45 scfh depending on what I feel the body can handle.

 

[JR's Reef]

Looks like you got the hard part out of the way. So now its the fun part

 

[mojo]

should be done by the end of the week. At least that is the plan.

 

[Elan]

did you make the cone yourself?

 

[sprinklerdudes]

looks like it is coming along.

 

[mojo]

Nope this is the one thing I did not make. It is actually a body from a ATB 840 1.5

I did find a site from poly fab and they tell you the arc and everything you need to make one from a flat sheet of acrylic.

 

[VanillaGorila]

Mojo, Have you tried putting the output on your volute closer to the bottom, rather than in the middle? it might help with backward starts. thats how the volute is on my Airstar 1300.

 

[mojo]

the askoll pump only starts one way. I modded out the inlet of this pump a little more than i did the previous.

 

[Robthorn]

Hey man gotta go for the ride. Wondering about the bubble plate/ diffuser piece you have setting inside the body of your photo. How is that going to be installed with all the holes around it?

 

[mojo]

ohhh you will see...