Water Flow for Skimmer

[dx7fd2]

This is sort of an in general question. Does anybody know the ratio of water that is optimal to go through a skimmer in camparison to the GPH going through the entire system?

In other words, my flow rate is going to be around 750-850 GPH through an 80gal tank with a 20gal sump/refugium. What should be the GPH rating on the pump for the venturi skimmer?
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Should the skimmer be attempting to match the flow rate of the whole system, or should it be dialed in independently from the system? The skimmer is in the sump...

Thanks to anybody that has the formula...Gresham said it was in the book "The Marine Aqaurium Reference" by Martin A. Moe. If anybody has the book could you look it up?

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[JohnO]

I don't think there is ( or could be ) a ratio between skimmer and system flow rates. In general the skimmer should match the total water capacity ( 100g ). The skimmer flow rate is something that the manufacturer of the skimmer will quote.

John

[dx7fd2]

Thanks John..I guess I will have to call myself and ask myself what the skimmer is rated for..and then I will quote myself the proper flow rate, (since I built the skimmer)!!! [smiley=yelrotflmao.gif]

Drew

I can be sure of one thing:

[glow=red,2,300]It Will Skim, by Golly!!![/glow]

[smiley=wiseguy.gif] [smiley=wink3.gif] [smiley=upsidegrin.gif]

[Matt Rogers]

Drew I actually have that Moe book..

p. 286 (fourth edition, 1992)

Regarding venturi skimmers,

'Water flow through the skimmer should be about 1 to 2 times the total volume of the system each hour. The aquarist will soon determine through operational experience what settings are best for the size and condition of the particular system."

Martin Moe was the man back then - what the heck happened to him? This is a heck off a book and covers a lot and is still pretty relevant today.

matt

[JohnO]

[quote author=dx7fd2 link=board=Protein;num=1088383743;start=0#2 date=06/27/04 at 19:30:16]Thanks John..I guess I will have to call myself and ask myself what the skimmer is rated for..and then I will quote myself the proper flow rate, (since I built the skimmer)!!! [smiley=yelrotflmao.gif]

Drew

I can be sure of one thing:

[glow=red,2,300]It Will Skim, by Golly!!![/glow]

[smiley=wiseguy.gif] [smiley=wink3.gif] [smiley=upsidegrin.gif]

[/quote]

Well, when you finally respond you will know the answer to your own question ( whatever that was ) :-)

Anyway, as Matt confirmed, you should be concerned with the total tank volume, not the tank return flow rate.

When you built the skimmer, what criteria did you use regarding size, capacity and skimming ability?

John

[dx7fd2]

Thanks Matt and John...that is what I needed. I'm gonna' have to get that book then, Eh?? [smiley=2thumbsup.gif]

So, I could safely use a 300GPH pump on the skimmer and that will be more than enough, if Mr Moe is correct...sounds good. That is what most of the skimmers are running for tanks up to 150gal. [smiley=cool4.gif]

John, my skimmer design will probably handle a tank at least twice the size of the tank I will be using it for. I have a diagram posted under the DIY forum, subject is "Building a Venturi Protein Skimmer", if you are curious. I'll be posting some pictures today or tomorrow of the skimmer.

Right now scrounging for some gasket material for the flange on the bottom. Nobody wants to sell me $1.20 worth of silicon rubber, they want me to buy a roll, or a sheet, or 12" x 51", or whatever. I only need a 6" x 6" piece.

But, its all good 'cause you guys always come through!!! [smiley=trampoline.gif]

BTW, John, I got a return call from the manufacturer, DrewSkim DIY, and he said the skimmer was rated for up to a 200gal tank. I told him thank you and patted myself on the back!! [smiley=laughing015.gif]

[JohnO]

Drew,

Love to see the pictures, I'm a big DIY fan and like to support people who have good design ideas :-)

Could you use an O ring for the flange seal?

John

[dx7fd2]

John, I called a huge place here in San Diego called Accurate Elastomers, and told them that I wanted, and they of course said they had a $50 minimum. Then the sales guy asked how big of a piece I needed, I told him 6" x 6". He says just come on by the office and I will give you a sample piece. So I went there yesterday and they gave me 2 pieces of 6" x 6", one 1/8" neoprene, the other 1/8" silicone. I used the silicone and it works perfectly. Nice!!!! [smiley=2thumbsup.gif]

I working out a few leaks but will have some pics up today...they won't be great I'm using a Logitech webcam..but viewable. Lighting is a problem what with the webcam not being wireless.

I should be able to get the skimmer working by early next week, I am waiting on the venturi and pump, and I have a few plumbing items I'm picking up today. Then I can get some pics or even video of it working. That is one thing the webcam will do, is make short vids straight to my computer!

[JohnO]

Fantastic Drew,

It's good to see some companies supporting hobbiests like that. So where are the bloody pitures? LOL

John

[Craig Manoukian]

I have a Seaclone 150 on my 80 gallon and I set the foam to a wet skimmate. It's more by feel and I get a ton of deep dark smelly goo. Yum!