Downdraft Skimmer

[Matthew5664]

When making downdraft skimmer what do you use to stop the water squirting out the top?

I guess the pump will be on the outlet side and will 'suck' the water through?

Would like conformation of this befor i try and make one and fill my livingroom with water

 

[Matthew5664]

As no one as replied I went ahead with more research even going to the LFS and asking to look at a skimmer out of the box! Had no problems there and was even allowed to photocopy the instructions. As I thought about it more and more, Also a few conversations with superman (No I'm not going mad he's on the forum) My designs underwent some changes and I’ve put them here for you to see, still need some tinkering but I think I’ve go the right idea? Any other suggestions would be helpful.

This is the first desinge

The Collection cup is capped and the air line went in through the side. Also the pump went on the intake and a drain off was added

Out came the air stone and in went a Venturi valve, also added a small chamber to the bottom of the reaction chamber with a "bubble trap"

Now on V2.1 and the bottom chamber got bigger and the intake joined it. A bleed valve was put at the top of the RC to set the water level.

Well hope I'm going along the right lines??? Should the "bubble trap" have the gap at the top? or at the bottom? Also witch way should it slope?

 

[Matthew5664]

Had a bit of time here at work to update the design

Here the outlet has now got a elbow so not to allow air bubbles through. Also the addition of a column on the intake for bio-balls. Does anyone know if this is nessacery?

Anyone???

 

[Matthew5664]

This is a picture of the skimmer in the system. I think this is how i should have it in the system?? The drain off from the collection cup goes to a tray of sorts for emptying. Should i add gate valves into the system to alter the flow between the main tank and the sump/skimmer??

Also is a overflow( Hang on the back kind ), Weir ( side of the tank drilled kind ) or stand pipe ( drill the bottom of the tank kind ) best for the system??

Should i post this in the saltwater hardware??? or chit chat??

Not getting many replyes

 

[Matthew5664]

Now got some more help and was told about a needle wheel pump that has the venturi valve befor the pump. As my understanding goes the bubbles are then pumped into the reaction chamber making them smaller (due to the motion in the pump) and this is better! so back to the design and Hey Presto yet another drawing by an annoying matt!!! haha

Also chaned the way its 'Plumbed' into the system and to Quote "Goes a little somthin' like this"

Now i'm not sure why I'm still posting this but I'm sure there is a reason to my maddness haha.......haHAha......haha.............?

 

[bunjiweb]

To be fair it looks like you know what you are doing anyway, keep at it, i'd like to see pics of your DIY Skimmer when its done.

Ben

 

[Matthew5664]

Thanks bunjiweb wouldn't believe I've been in the hobby 2 months!!!! Having Plumbing and engineering qualifications help a little.

 

[superman]

It is starting to look good! Why do you figure on using bioballs in the skimmer? Unless I understood you wrong, please clarify why you feel the need to use them. Personally I would not use them.

Oh, and drill the side of the sump and plumb an external sump pump instead of using a submersed pump. You will end up inducing less heat with an external pump instead of using a submersed water cooled pump.

 

[Matthew5664]

The Bio balls were just an idea I had but I'll take your advice and not use them! As for the external sump pump, sound like a good idea and have to alter the drawing and see what you think. I’m having to work out dimensions soon witch may be a little difficult and then onto the working models.

Well here it is

 

[superman]

You didn't take the baffle out between the overflow return and the skimmer pump. I would highly recommend this. Get the water from the overflow dropping right on the sump pump inlet.

 

[Matthew5664]

There we go...........think I've got it!

Right now for the finding, buying and building!!!