Skimmer screw broke! New Skimmer ??

[jmichaelh7]

I have Bubble Magus curve 7 skimmer and at the bottom as displayed in picture , there are hand tighten plastic screws that hold down the skimmer to the bottom plate. 2 of these broke!! And they are plastic. Do I need buy a new skimmer? Anyone replace these or have this experience ?? What did you use?

 

[Ta2oodfreak]

Pop it out, get some stainless screws, nuts and washers at the hardware store and be done

 

[ATAquariums]

I’m sure they’ll sell you replacements. If not you can run as is.

 

[jradishness]

Pop it out, get some stainless screws, nuts and washers at the hardware store and be done

Agreed. Take off the bottom plate and take it and a screw to your local Ace or other hardware store. You may even be able to find a similar screw to what you have, but I’d go with the SS like Ta2 recommended. Just make sure to get screws of the same length, as they also serve as feet on that model.

 

[jmichaelh7]

Agreed. Take off the bottom plate and take it and a screw to your local Ace or other hardware store. You may even be able to find a similar screw to what you have, but I’d go with the SS like Ta2 recommended. Just make sure to get screws of the same length, as they also serve as feet on that model.

You don’t think the screws will rust

 

[Ta2oodfreak]

Stainless steel doesn't rust.

 

[Tastee]

I have a Torque branded skimmer, think it is what is branded in the US as Jebao. The pump for this is also connected via 4 acrylic screws. What I have found is that these are metric thread screws, M6 specifically, and I was easily able to get some M6 bolts from my local big box hardware store to replace them - just had to cut them down in length and clean up the end with my tap and die set. These are a poly replacement, not acrylic, so not as stiff. Still do the job however.

I also busted a small acrylic metric screw in a float valve (M3x6) and was able to buy a packet of replacements for very little off eBay to replace it.

Stainless is good, but acrylic or poly is better. Stainless comes in various qualities and will eventually start to oxidise. Cheap ones may only last months. High quality stainless will last for years in a tank and I have some in mine - hose clamps. I keep an eye on them however. If I have the option between stainless and acrylic I will always choose acrylic as it will effectively last forever without issues. Can’t use acrylic in a hose clamp however due to lack of tensile strength.

 

[AIRDADDY]

Stainless steel doesn't rust.

It’s surprising to see people in the hobby that don’t know stainless steel can and will rust.

 

[Troylee]

Amazon sells them.. just nylon thumb screws.. I believe they’re 1/4” 20 thread. I wouldn’t use stainless.. to get the broken one out grab it with some vise grips and unscrew it.

 

[Macdaddynick1]

Amazon sells them.. just nylon thumb screws.. I believe they’re 1/4” 20 thread. I wouldn’t use stainless.. to get the broken one out grab it with some vise grips and unscrew it.

This. I just bought some M6 nylon bolts on Amazon yesterday to replace on one of my skimmer. They were $4 for a pack of 20 or so.

 

[Harpo]

Titanium is always my first choice for my aquarium

 

[The_Paradox]

It’s surprising to see people in the hobby that don’t know stainless steel can and will rust.

Lack or knowledge no longer surprises me sadly. If you go stainless make sure it’s H1 or 316. Personally I would check the pitch and get a delrin one. At worst buy a cut off rod and run a die down it.