Proven mods for a budget skimmer

[Reefs of Space]

These mods are not new, but have been proven to work. Anyone on a budget in the reefing world knows that sometimes products need improving. I'm running this skimmer on a 30gal.

Rated for 65gal and has been slowly losing it's steam. After these mods, the performance increased beyond expectations. I grabbed an Amazon warehouse deal at $60 for this, and I've seen similar deals on Ebay.

 

[Snookin]

What? This makes no sense...what MOD

 

[Reefs of Space]

Biggest improvement was the mesh mod



I used fishing line and weaved it to create the mesh.

 

[Reefs of Space]

The mesh mod works great as long as you clean the impeller at least once a month. A soak in some white vinegar and a little toothbrush scrubbing.

 

[Reefs of Space]

I also drilled out the air intake as big as possible without compromising the outer wall of the venturi.


I increased the size of the airline after doing this, but that seemed to cause an issue. Salt creep began to build up inside the airline causing it to block the air intake which then overflowed the collection cup.

 

[Reefs of Space]

That's when I added a port to the bottom of the collection cup which now drains into a gallon jug. That get's emptied during my monthly skimmer maintenance.

 

[Reefs of Space]

To remedy the salt creep blocking the venturi, I ran the airline into the collection cup.


The humid air from the collection cup keeps salt creep from forming in the airline. Also, I had to drill the hole in the lid.

 

[Reefs of Space]

The other breather holes still allow oxygen in.

 

[Reefs of Space]

I forgot, the first thing I did was replace the sponge with filter floss that gets changed out every other day.

 

[dantimdad]

I did all those except the drain (mine had one) also move the pump up and only leave about 2" of hose.

These things can really skim if you do a few mods. I still have parts enough to make 3 of them laying around. LOL.

 

[Reefs of Space]

Overall, I couldn't be happier with this skimmer. My water is crystal clear, and this thing is constantly pumping out nasty gunk.

 

[Reefs of Space]

I did all those except the drain (mine had one) also move the pump up and only leave about 2" of hose.

These things can really skim if you do a few mods. I still have parts enough to make 3 of them laying around. LOL.

Nice man! I did play around with the depth as well.. I think I'm about 3" below surface. Yeah, just wanted to bring back these staple mods that any budget reefer should be doing.

 

[dantimdad]

I almost ran two of them on my cube, one wet, one dry. But, I got a smoking deal on a curve 7 and decided to go the simple route.

 

[Reefs of Space]

You also need to cut the output hose to make it above the water level to keep back pressure down.

 

[dantimdad]

Yep, I forgot I did that one as well.

 

[Reefs of Space]

I almost ran two of them on my cube, one wet, one dry. But, I got a smoking deal on a curve 7 and decided to go the simple route.

Wow lucky.. Hopefully in the near future, all the new models and technology will come down in price. I'm still missing a bubble plate. Always room for more mods!

 

[dantimdad]

Also, don't let someone tell you that because you mod it, you should spend more money. Google, ASM or Reef Octopus mods.

 

[dantimdad]

Wow lucky.. Hopefully in the near future, all the new models and technology will come down in price. I'm still missing a bubble plate. Always room for more mods!

It's actually too much skimmer. I may go without or use it just to oxygenate until the tank ages quite a bit.

But, I can always use it on a larger tank later...

 

[Reefs of Space]

Yep, I forgot I did that one as well.

Did you ever consider extending the water pipe on the inside all the way to the bottom? Seems like half of the skimmer body is being wasted.

 

[Reefs of Space]

Also, don't let someone tell you that because you mod it, you should spend more money. Google, ASM or Reef Octopus mods.

Thanks!