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View Full Version : Give me your opinions on my DIY skimmer


jbd010
03/04/2007, 08:50 PM
After spending some time checking out one of the ten-thouand RC threads on skimmers, I finally bit the bullet and took my best shot at one. I am loosley following RandyStacyE's design.

The local plastics place had some 6"x1' extruded acrylic tubes for $5 bucks a pop, unfortunatly they are a bit to thin to support the weight of the stand tube and pump....so this is my rough draft, complete with the exception of the recirc pump. I am planning on using a Gen X 2400 Needle Wheel. Let me know if there is anything I can do better before I drill into a more expensive piece of cast acrylic, thanks ahead of time! Pics below:

http://thumb16.webshots.net/t/57/757/5/94/51/2548594510060500456LdPCkC_th.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2548594510060500456LdPCkC)

http://thumb16.webshots.net/t/53/753/6/29/68/2503629680060500456Utgult_th.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2503629680060500456Utgult)

http://thumb16.webshots.net/t/59/459/0/7/47/2086007470060500456NnEdgJ_th.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2086007470060500456NnEdgJ)

http://thumb16.webshots.net/t/59/659/5/61/6/2719561060060500456aEdqgo_th.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2719561060060500456aEdqgo)

http://thumb16.webshots.net/t/59/659/3/43/33/2400343330060500456zuCzui_th.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2400343330060500456zuCzui)

cougarguy
03/04/2007, 09:32 PM
So I guess you had problems with the acrylic too.

My only question is how far apart did you space your plumbing for your pump?

The reason I ask is it looks like the spacing is a little close everything else looks good.

jbd010
03/04/2007, 09:57 PM
Actually I managed to drill and uniseal it without even a crack.....but I deffintly do not trust it not to break when it is full of water.

As for the holes I guesstimated for the pump on this one when I realized the acrylic was to thin just to see how it would fit in...so it wouldnt surprise me if they were a bit to close.

cougarguy
03/04/2007, 10:11 PM
I see thats what I thought I just wanted to throw it out there.

Mine drilled and unisealed fine it was when I tried to remove the pipe that I had the problems.