Designs for a nano skimmer

[aaron]

Well, after an hour of messing around with it I still cant get this skimmer to work properly. I'm not quite ready to call this one a failure but it certainly isnt plug and play either.
The major problems are that its releasing a load of microbubbles back into the tank and i am having problems working out the rate of water that should be flowing through the unit. I might need to get a few experts over to check it out and give me some advice. spykes? you up for some skimmer diagnostics?

 

[Deanos]

I believe the flowrate for a recirculating skimmer is should be between 1 and 1.5 times the total system gallons per hour. (Spkyes, correct me if I'm wrong).

 

[aaron]

The problem is if i increase the flowrate to anything like that amount it pushes too much microbubbles out of the outflow. I'm thinking i might have to put some kind of baffle in to try and shield the outflow a little. I must admit i am really happy with the dense mix of air and water, its just getting everything dialed in so its working in an efficient way that's killing me.
I might try and post some pics of it working and see if you guys can make some suggestions

 

[Rborgia]

I think you may want to install another tube inside the main body. Feed the incoming water and recirc water into the tube. This would eliminate most of the micro bubble from going down into the return pipe. (This is how Life Reef does it).

Rich

 

[aaron]

I'd appreciate it rich.

 

[Rborgia]

done... added to my post

The output (with valve) is fed from almost the bottom of the skimmer, as you have it...

This isolates the incoming water and bubbles, for the most part. The taller you go the better off you are... less bubbles going down.

Rich

 

[Deanos]

The problem is if i increase the flowrate to anything like that amount it pushes too much microbubbles out of the outflow

This skimmer is on your 36 bowfront right? What feed pump are you using? It should be no more than 54 gph. We're talking minijet here.

 

[Rborgia]

Any updates Aaron?

 

[aaron]

I have dialed the inflow way down and i'm letting it just run for a little while to see how it does. should have some more comments by later this afternoon

 

[aaron]

Well after a week i was ready to call this project another failure but with solbby's assurances that things take time to work i put it on the 36 Gal bow front and this morning i woke up to find the neck full of foam and the collection cup with 1/4" of reasonably dark sludge. I will try and post some photos tonight.
Maybe if they're good enough i will be invited to post on the hard core skimmer thread?

 

[DRZL]

Cooloio looking forward to the pics

 

[ShaunW]

Glad to hear it Aaron.

 

[Sohal11]

Very interesting design. Do you have any update on your skimmer?