I need a skimmer for the next tank

[LFS42]

I'm setting up for an octopus and need a skimmer for it.
I know they only live for 6 months so I don't want to spend a fortune on the set-up.
(don't know if the better half would let me get another)
As it is, I'm already getting a drill for the tank so I can make it sealed.
I need to get a return pump, stand, sump.
Not to mention LR and sand for the little guy.

so the question is...
I'm in a DIY mood now, and know that a skimmer could really add up in cost.
Should I build one or should I keep my eye on ebay for a deal.
Last deal I saw, the reserve was more than I wanted to pay.

If I build one, anyone have plans for one that'll cost around $50 for materials.

TIA

 

[LA-Lawman]

i think i have plans for a euro-reef style..... let me look thru the dungeon...

i will get back to you....

 

[LFS42]

Thanks,
when I search for skimmer plans, I find something that looks great, but doesn't work too well.
It's for a 37 gal tank and I don't care what it looks like, it just needs to work.

 

[Texas2Turkey]

LFS42,

Here's a link I think you'll really like....

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthrea ... did=158059

Hopefully I'll get to see a few of these guys soon!

 

[LFS42]

Thanks T2T,
I've been watching that tread for a while.
I always wanted an octo, and now I'm doing it.

 

[Will C1]

do a search for "the worlds ugliest skimmer" i am currently building one of these its a simple foam fractioner but works well and is simple and cheap to build. did i mention cheap?

 

[Anonymous]

cephs put out an amazing amount of ammonia make sure you got some Fritz-Zyme or similar product and plenty of water on hand for water changes when you first get him.

 

[LFS42]

Thanks for the tip MickAv8r, I'm planing on letting the tank cylce for 3-4 months before i get one.

WillC, I'll do a search on that skimmer, I'm still hoping the E-bay thing will pan out.

 

[LFS42]

Wow, that's 1 ugly skimmer.
But is that inside 3/4" pvc neccessary?
I'll have to try this if all else fails.

 

[Anonymous]

Even a cycled mature tank will be overloaded from my experience - they really hit hard at first. I've put cephs into two mature tanks and needed to do daily water changes in each for 2-3 days to up to a week before the bacteria caught up.

 

[Will C1]

Wow, that's 1 ugly skimmer.
But is that inside 3/4" pvc neccessary?
I'll have to try this if all else fails.

i thought that my self when i looked over the design i might try mine without it, it should be up and running in about a week, i will let you know.

 

[Anonymous]

FWIW the Bio Spira live bacteria that Marineland makes works really well. They don't have a slatwater version yet, but tey will soon, if it's avaliable when you set up the tank it will really help with the ammonia.

 

[LFS42]

I know all about the marineland stuff.
Bio-Zyme works too.
But I was planning on taking about half my Bio*cough*balls out of the reef
to seed the new tank.

PS, I got my skimmer on EBay dirt cheap, now I just need to get
pump for it 8O