Skimmate Locker DIY

[KadeSirin]

My tank is an AIO tank and I've got a Tunze 9004 DC skimmer for the tank, now I'd like to prep the skimmer so I just change a skimmate container or bottle instead of taking the cup out and dumping it. However, I've got one issue. To get the skimmate out of the cup, I need to pump it up and then down to the locker in the cabinet below.

Should I just use a BRS top-off doser to pull skimmate up and then back down? Or are there better options?

 

[ludnix]

You may have good luck with Tom's Aqualifter for a cheaper alternative to the BRS doser, it will be a little faster too and since you don't need an exact pump rate it should work fine.

 

[mrpizzaface]

My tank is an AIO tank and I've got a Tunze 9004 DC skimmer for the tank, now I'd like to prep the skimmer so I just change a skimmate container or bottle instead of taking the cup out and dumping it. However, I've got one issue. To get the skimmate out of the cup, I need to pump it up and then down to the locker in the cabinet below.

Should I just use a BRS top-off doser to pull skimmate up and then back down? Or are there better options?

@rvitko I think Tunze makes the skimmer cup holiday 9004.145. It is made for the 9004 skimmer. Perhaps Roger can correct me if I am wrong.

 

[KadeSirin]

You may have good luck with Tom's Aqualifter for a cheaper alternative to the BRS doser, it will be a little faster too and since you don't need an exact pump rate it should work fine.

I think I may have an aqualifter laying around somewhere. I'll try it! My main concern with using the aqualifter is that I'm moving skimmate, it may gum up or clog the line/pump.

@rvitko I think Tunze makes the skimmer cup holiday 9004.145. It is made for the 9004 skimmer. Perhaps Roger can correct me if I am wrong.

That's the cup I'm try to get to my container, unfortunately I have an AIO tank (see signature, JBJ 65 RF) so the skimmer sits above the cabinet.

 

[ludnix]

I think occasional vinegar rinses of the lines and pump would be good, but it should be able to suck up the skimmate for months without issue.

 

[KadeSirin]

I think occasional vinegar rinses of the lines and pump would be good, but it should be able to suck up the skimmate for months without issue.

I'll give it a try, will switch to the dosing pump if I have issues.

Either way, I'll rig up the float switch for the pump. Or just have it run for 10-20 mins per day or something .

 

[George Lopez]

What if you just make a small hole on the bottom or side and thread on a hose barb?

 

[KadeSirin]

What if you just make a small hole on the bottom or side and thread on a hose barb?

It'll still need to go back up and over the back wall of my tank.