Low Cost DIY Soda Bottle Protein Skimmer

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[MartyK]

Hi Everyone - As part of restarting my 55, I decided to try my hand at designing a protein skimmer.  I can't really vouch for the design yet, but it seems to be skimming reasonably well.  The cost is mainly in the pump - otherwise it uses some PVC parts (maybe $10 worth) and a bunch of 2 liter soda bottles.  It's definitely an in-sump skimmer - not leak tight.

If anyone is interested, I'll take pictures and describe how I built it (next time I need to take it apart).

Not sure how to add a photo here, so I'll see if I can put one in the photo gallery.

Marty

[tyler5g]

Very interesting.  What are you using to introduce the air into the stream?

[angelscrx]

I have seen the design for these on a dIY website for SW tanks.  Pretty neat stuff.

[MartyK]

John -

The skimmer uses a needle wheel impeller pump that comes with an "air induction fitting" to inject the air.

Angel -  I looked over several different DIY designs on the web before I started, but the final product turned out to be my own design. 

[angelscrx]

Then please share DIY are always good to read.

[MartyK]

I've posted a series of pictures in my gallery.  It looks like they got posted in reverse order.