DIY recirc with AC70/802

rottface4 · 02/08/2008, 07:31 AM

I have started designing a DIY recirc skimmer using the ideas from Hahnmeister "Pimp my pump thread". I'm trying to design a skimmer to be competition with the Euro-Reef RC80, but have the potential to be upgraded to a RC135.

I just got my must have skimmer DIY equipment (flowmeter (2-20 scfh) and a kill-a-watt meter), and I am awaiting for my very slow to deliver AC70 from ebay, so I thought I'd working on my body desing some more.

Here is my body design so far. I'm looking at a 6 diameter body at 15 inches high, with a 3.5 inch neck. I will have a 3.5 in diameter bubble diffusion plate. I am also planning on feeding the skimmer off my overflow, so I will be using an adjustable height output on the skimmer.

Some info on my tank. I will be doing a SPS dominated reef tank. The main tank capacity is about 45 gallons (30x24x15) with about 37 gallons of actual water, and the sump is about 20 gallon capacity, with about 15 gallons of water. So total actual water volume is about 50-55 gallons.

Please give me your feedback on my design. And help me better my skimmer.

angel2007 · 02/08/2008, 08:31 AM

Hey, where did you get that sump?

rottface4 · 02/08/2008, 09:56 AM

I made it, and the main tank.

bebitte70 · 02/08/2008, 01:09 PM

They both seem very well built. I plan doing something similar with an 802 as well but with a rs626 body. I have poor skills to make the housing of the pump and venturi, please show how you will do it.

rottface4 · 02/11/2008, 07:21 AM

Well my pump body came in on Friday, and I started makin the volute for it. I used a 2" inch couler for the volute, and I glues it to a piece of acrylic. I need to pick up some 1" PVC for the inputs and outputs. I'll get some photos one I get the volute finsihed.

rottface4 · 02/13/2008, 02:03 PM

Here are some images of my volute. It was made from a 2" PVC coupler and 1" PVC for inputs and outputs. The cover is acrylic. I was thinkg of mounting to the skimmer this way to avoid air build up around the magnet. Then I was going to use 45s to bring the inlet into the skimmer body. What does everyone think?

You can see in this picture that there is a little ridge about 1/8" from the bottom on the inside, I think this should give me a good seal on the oring if I choose to run external.

Here are some more volute pictures:

jpndave · 02/13/2008, 03:37 PM

Nice volute! I posted mine on the "Pimp my pump" thread just before yours. What are you going to use for impellor? I have multiple kinds of mesh and have been trying to decide which and how to do it.

Nice skimmer plans too. I wish I had room for one like that. I am using Hahnmeisters diy recirc design he posted on nano-reef.

Great job so far!

rottface4 · 02/14/2008, 07:40 AM

I haven't started playing around with the impellar, but I did get a spare one when I bought my pump. I'm planning on shaving the impellor blades down and then doing a layer of needle point, then two-three layers of pk4 and then another layer of needle point to sandwich it all together. At least thats my plan. It will probably take some test to fine tune I'm guessing. I plan on using spiderwire to tie it all together. Hopefully, I'll start to get some testing done this weekend. And I'll post some air draw and wattage and pf readings.

JCTewks · 02/14/2008, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rottface4
I haven't started playing around with the impellar, but I did get a spare one when I bought my pump. I'm planning on shaving the impellor blades down and then doing a layer of needle point, then two-three layers of pk4 and then another layer of needle point to sandwich it all together. At least thats my plan. It will probably take some test to fine tune I'm guessing. I plan on using spiderwire to tie it all together. Hopefully, I'll start to get some testing done this weekend. And I'll post some air draw and wattage and pf readings.

Needlepoint makes a good foundation for the mesh on the bottom, but, IMO it is too dense to use on top. I've used gutter guard on top to hold things together in the past with great results. Just this week i realized that you can take the mesh, heat it quickly with a lighter and sandwich it between two books and it flattens out nicely (and holds that flattend shape). I used 3 layers of flattened mesh, with 1 layer of fluffy mesh with good results. BTW, I was able to fit all of that where only 2 layers of fluffy would fit easily before. ( this is on an OTP1000 on an octopus DNW110).

jpndave · 02/14/2008, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rottface4
I haven't started playing around with the impellar, but I did get a spare one when I bought my pump. I'm planning on shaving the impellor blades down and then doing a layer of needle point, then two-three layers of pk4 and then another layer of needle point to sandwich it all together. At least thats my plan. It will probably take some test to fine tune I'm guessing. I plan on using spiderwire to tie it all together. Hopefully, I'll start to get some testing done this weekend. And I'll post some air draw and wattage and pf readings.

Cool, sounds like you are headed down a similar path. I have multiple kinds of mesh. I'll try and post a list/pics later. I have debated using the existing impellor, shaving it, notching it, or replacing with a disc. I only have the one, so no back up plan without ordering a replacement. I had settled on zip ties as I have read several accounts of spiderwire coming loose. I'm still not sure what to think of all that. I am intrigued but the idea of the mesh on both sides. I will have to look into that. I may stop in today and see what I can get in a coarse mesh.

I still need to assemble my skimmer. This may be the extra incentive I need!

What are you doing for a venturi? I have debated adding an actual venturi or just using the piece of airline.

Here are the pics of my planned skimmer design and the pump/volute.

Let me know if I am highjacking here.

JCTewks · 02/14/2008, 12:29 PM

I see you are using one of Hahnmeisters designs

rottface4 · 02/14/2008, 01:06 PM

jpndave - Well for a venturi, I was just planning on running the airline tubing as hahnmeister did with the pimp my pump thread. I claims he was able to reach 18 lpm that way, so I'll give it a shot. I made my input tube longer than I planned on using incase I mess up on the first attempt. On the spiderwire did you glue you knots? I know it will come undone if you don't.

JCTewks - Did you take any measurements on air flow or watt draw? I'm concerned if you start putting too many layers you will create too much drag or wieght and cause the pump to work more. This would either run the pump at a higher wattage or lower PF, which in the long run will shorten the life of the pump or worse.

JCTewks · 02/14/2008, 10:19 PM

Shawn...I did do all necessary measurements when modding. If you look around the DIY meshmod threads you'll see that I'm a big pusher of getting a killawatt before modding pumps. The mods I have done are on Octopus pumps...and all are within the factory electrical specs of the pump. I tend to shoot for a higher PF than factory, so that they won;t run as hot though.

I think that with the right knowledge and tools it is possible to get pumps that run better than factory specs while pushing HUGE amounts of air.

rottface4 · 02/15/2008, 06:16 AM

JCTewks - I def. agree we can get much better performance from these pumps than the manufactures can. I was just curious, because it seems a lot of people over look the electrical performance of these pumps. On that note a lot of people even over look measuring the air input from these pumps as well.

02/08/2008, 07:31 AM	#1
rottface4 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: West Melbourne, Fl Posts: 190	DIY recirc with AC70/802 I have started designing a DIY recirc skimmer using the ideas from Hahnmeister "Pimp my pump thread". I'm trying to design a skimmer to be competition with the Euro-Reef RC80, but have the potential to be upgraded to a RC135. I just got my must have skimmer DIY equipment (flowmeter (2-20 scfh) and a kill-a-watt meter), and I am awaiting for my very slow to deliver AC70 from ebay, so I thought I'd working on my body desing some more. Here is my body design so far. I'm looking at a 6 diameter body at 15 inches high, with a 3.5 inch neck. I will have a 3.5 in diameter bubble diffusion plate. I am also planning on feeding the skimmer off my overflow, so I will be using an adjustable height output on the skimmer. Some info on my tank. I will be doing a SPS dominated reef tank. The main tank capacity is about 45 gallons (30x24x15) with about 37 gallons of actual water, and the sump is about 20 gallon capacity, with about 15 gallons of water. So total actual water volume is about 50-55 gallons. Please give me your feedback on my design. And help me better my skimmer. __________________ -Shawn- Current Tank Info: 45 g (30"x24"x15"), 250 w 12k reeflux in a lumenarc, 2 6025 streams, etc

02/08/2008, 09:56 AM	#3
rottface4 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: West Melbourne, Fl Posts: 190	I made it, and the main tank. __________________ -Shawn- Current Tank Info: 45 g (30"x24"x15"), 250 w 12k reeflux in a lumenarc, 2 6025 streams, etc

02/11/2008, 07:21 AM	#5
rottface4 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: West Melbourne, Fl Posts: 190	Well my pump body came in on Friday, and I started makin the volute for it. I used a 2" inch couler for the volute, and I glues it to a piece of acrylic. I need to pick up some 1" PVC for the inputs and outputs. I'll get some photos one I get the volute finsihed. __________________ -Shawn- Current Tank Info: 45 g (30"x24"x15"), 250 w 12k reeflux in a lumenarc, 2 6025 streams, etc

02/13/2008, 02:03 PM	#6
rottface4 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: West Melbourne, Fl Posts: 190	Here are some images of my volute. It was made from a 2" PVC coupler and 1" PVC for inputs and outputs. The cover is acrylic. I was thinkg of mounting to the skimmer this way to avoid air build up around the magnet. Then I was going to use 45s to bring the inlet into the skimmer body. What does everyone think? You can see in this picture that there is a little ridge about 1/8" from the bottom on the inside, I think this should give me a good seal on the oring if I choose to run external. Here are some more volute pictures: __________________ -Shawn- Current Tank Info: 45 g (30"x24"x15"), 250 w 12k reeflux in a lumenarc, 2 6025 streams, etc

02/14/2008, 07:40 AM	#8
rottface4 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: West Melbourne, Fl Posts: 190	I haven't started playing around with the impellar, but I did get a spare one when I bought my pump. I'm planning on shaving the impellor blades down and then doing a layer of needle point, then two-three layers of pk4 and then another layer of needle point to sandwich it all together. At least thats my plan. It will probably take some test to fine tune I'm guessing. I plan on using spiderwire to tie it all together. Hopefully, I'll start to get some testing done this weekend. And I'll post some air draw and wattage and pf readings. __________________ -Shawn- Current Tank Info: 45 g (30"x24"x15"), 250 w 12k reeflux in a lumenarc, 2 6025 streams, etc

02/08/2008, 08:31 AM	#2
angel2007 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Wish I was back in Chicago Posts: 100	Hey, where did you get that sump?

02/08/2008, 01:09 PM	#4
bebitte70 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 203	They both seem very well built. I plan doing something similar with an 802 as well but with a rs626 body. I have poor skills to make the housing of the pump and venturi, please show how you will do it.

02/13/2008, 03:37 PM	#7
jpndave Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hyde Park, UT Posts: 219	Nice volute! I posted mine on the "Pimp my pump" thread just before yours. What are you going to use for impellor? I have multiple kinds of mesh and have been trying to decide which and how to do it. Nice skimmer plans too. I wish I had room for one like that. I am using Hahnmeisters diy recirc design he posted on nano-reef. Great job so far!

02/14/2008, 12:29 PM	#11
JCTewks Moved On Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Wilmington, Ohio Posts: 3,129	I see you are using one of Hahnmeisters designs

02/14/2008, 01:06 PM	#12
rottface4 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: West Melbourne, Fl Posts: 190	jpndave - Well for a venturi, I was just planning on running the airline tubing as hahnmeister did with the pimp my pump thread. I claims he was able to reach 18 lpm that way, so I'll give it a shot. I made my input tube longer than I planned on using incase I mess up on the first attempt. On the spiderwire did you glue you knots? I know it will come undone if you don't. JCTewks - Did you take any measurements on air flow or watt draw? I'm concerned if you start putting too many layers you will create too much drag or wieght and cause the pump to work more. This would either run the pump at a higher wattage or lower PF, which in the long run will shorten the life of the pump or worse. __________________ -Shawn- Current Tank Info: 45 g (30"x24"x15"), 250 w 12k reeflux in a lumenarc, 2 6025 streams, etc

02/14/2008, 10:19 PM	#13
JCTewks Moved On Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Wilmington, Ohio Posts: 3,129	Shawn...I did do all necessary measurements when modding. If you look around the DIY meshmod threads you'll see that I'm a big pusher of getting a killawatt before modding pumps. The mods I have done are on Octopus pumps...and all are within the factory electrical specs of the pump. I tend to shoot for a higher PF than factory, so that they won;t run as hot though. I think that with the right knowledge and tools it is possible to get pumps that run better than factory specs while pushing HUGE amounts of air.

02/15/2008, 06:16 AM	#14
rottface4 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: West Melbourne, Fl Posts: 190	JCTewks - I def. agree we can get much better performance from these pumps than the manufactures can. I was just curious, because it seems a lot of people over look the electrical performance of these pumps. On that note a lot of people even over look measuring the air input from these pumps as well. __________________ -Shawn- Current Tank Info: 45 g (30"x24"x15"), 250 w 12k reeflux in a lumenarc, 2 6025 streams, etc