How can I make a DIY waste collector

[JARRETT SHARK]

I am tired of empty my container every day. I have a 220gal and my skimmer kicks butt. I was thinking of using a 5gal water jug but was worried if something ever goes wrong there is no check valve or something to stop it. Anyone seen any threads on this?

 

[JARRETT SHARK]

Anyway tee 2 waste collecters off one skimmer?

 

[anthony27]

I have not seen one but I can def. relate I hope a thread is out there for this

 

[Solace Aquatics LLC]

Is there any room in the sump to put the waste collector, I would put it in the sump, then worse case scenario, the over production of skimmate will just makes it way back into the system instead of overflowing the house. Most Waste Collectors are not 100% guaranteed.

There are many available though, MTC, Reef Ocoputs, MRC, the list goes on. For these, it is easier to buy one than build one IMO.

 

[beerfish]

I haven't seen a thread on it, but take a look at the Aqua C collection cups. The premise is basically a ping pong ball in a tube. Keep in mind that there's no reason it needs to be round, so if you can find an appropriate container, you can probably craft the rest cheaply from PVC.

In theory, the ping pong ball (it's probably not actually a ping pong ball, but it's essentially the same thing and one can be used as such) will float up, cutting off the air going into the skimmer when the cup is full.

I'm thinking a sealable container (if a substantial amount of air gets in it won't work), a few pieces of PVC, a ping pong ball and a hose barb to attach your skimmer output should do it. If you get a little creative, I think you can do it.

 

[JARRETT SHARK]

I have no room in sump but all my stuff is in the basement and it could flood because I have a basement drain and dont care but want the tank not to starve for water. I am going to try to build one the same way a with the ping pong ball

 

[Alex]

I recently saw a 5 gallon bucket lid that has been modified to be a waste collection lid. basically it goes on a 5 gallon pail and that is your waste collector. I will look for it.

 

[Alex]

try this in the mean time:
http://www.hawkfish.org/snailman/diywaste.htm

 

[Alex]

found it, this I believe, is a good invention. hope it helps you out. LMK how it works.

http://superskimmer.com/Waste Containers.htm

 

[CT nano reefer]

Instead of making, or purchasing an aftermarket waste collector, I simply used the stock collection cup, with a simple addition if a float switch so that the collection cup will not overflow. The skimate in the cup reaches a pre-determined setpoint, engages the float switch, which inturn shuts off the power to the skimmer pump so that the collection cup doesn't overflow...

Sent from my iPhone using Reefsng

 

[JARRETT SHARK]

found it, this I believe, is a good invention. hope it helps you out. LMK how it works.

http://superskimmer.com/Waste Containers.htm

Perfect!!!!

 

[Alex]

LMK how it works was thinking of getting one.

 

[JARRETT SHARK]

$89 seems High but worth the pain empty it every day