DIY pre skimmer box for maxijet?

[dedfish]

I'm thinking about making a pre skimmer box for a maxijet I use to feed my refuge. I don't have a skimmer on this tank and notice a build up of scum on top of the water. Any tips on this or thoughts? I'm trying to figure out how big to make it. Anyone ever done anything like this?

[NateHanson]

Sounds simple enough. Should work fine. The only complication I can think of, is if your water level in the tank changes from evaporation (I'm assuming there's no sump on this tank?)
If that's the case, your skimmer box might go dry if you don't top off regularly or automatically. Not a big deal, just something to think about.

Nate

[dedfish]

No sump on this system. Just the closed loop and the SBT refuge (Sit Behind Tank). :)

http://www.sunrift.net/modules/xoopsgallery/cache/albums/20reef/IMGP2164.thumb.jpg (http://www.sunrift.net/modules/xoopsgallery/cache/albums/20reef/IMGP2164.sized.jpg)

Hmm...evaporation. I hadn't given much thought to that. I knew I over looked something. I need to do some testing I think.

[NateHanson]

Yeah, it looks like the way that's set up water level will go down in the main tank, as well as in that siphon return section of the fuge.

I'd think if you're not running a skimmer it's important to ensure that your fuge pump doesn't go dry in it's box while you're away for the weekend or something. Since it's the only source of filtration, I'd do something to make sure the fuge is always on-line. Maybe a simple drip top-off jug.

Nate

[dedfish]

hmm..I have a auto topoff system for this tank. I just need to re-engineer the float switch hanger.

[redpaulhus]

Another thought -- the Hagen Aquaclear/Fluval "surface skimmer" attachment fits perfectly on a Maxijet powerhead -- I'm using one as a ghetto overflow on my Remora MJ1200 (cost me about $6 at Rumford Pet, about $10 everyplace else).

It automatically adjusts for water level, and you can adjust it to grab a % of water from below the surface as well if you'd like..

[dedfish]

Cool...I'll have to look into that. Thanks!

[dedfish]

Anyone know where to find one of these in the Boston area?

[nunofs]

Jason, I have one that I was plannning on using for my DIY nano-skimmer but never got around to it, so it's brand new... I can take it to the meeting if you want it... say, $5 ?

Nuno

[dedfish]

Nuno...yes please. Thanks!

[redpaulhus]

Cool - here's how I attached mine.
I took the flexable tube off the vertical tube. The intake to the Maxi-Jet should just fit into horizontal hole where the flexible tubing was attached.

For me this did a great job getting the film off of the waters surface (and into the skimmer). I did adjust the flow to include a small % of water from below the surface.

[dedfish]

I just set this up tonight. So far I really like it. It took a bit of engineering to setup without having to disturb my rockwork, but it is a very clean looking install.

Thanks Nuno!

Question, does it muck up quickly? How often are you cleaning the input strainer?

[nunofs]

No problem, I'm glad it's working for you!

Nuno