For many who are using a hang-on back skimmer like CPR BakPak/SeaClone, etc, and those of who don't have/use an overflow box (ie. mini/nano-reef people), have probably overlook the importance of a overflow box (for surface skimming).
After an hour of work, I've made myself a small but quite effective overflow box, which fits perfectly with the powerhead that drives my HOB SeaClone skimmer.
This plan should also work on CPR BakPak skimmers, but some modification to the water intake tube on the skimmer may be necessary.
I hope this DIY plan will be helpful.
Items needed :
Hagen float on top breeder box, pick the size that fits to your HOB skimmer powerhead.
I think Hagen have 2 sizes of breeder box, they're both made of transparent plastic.
Suction cup to secure the overflow box onto the glass.
I use the one that comes with SeaClone MaxiJet powerhead, their suction cups seem to be the best ones for long term aquarium use.
Tools needed :
Drill
Small saw
Procedure :
Be VERY careful when you work with the breeder box, it's very fragile and can crack easily if too much force is applied onto it.
First remove all the reversed side boxes (which was use to hold air in and keep the breeder box floating on water) on both sides of the breeder box.
Be careful when removing them because the plastic can be broken very easily.
Next drill 2 holes near the top of one side on the box for the suction cups.
Will need to drill the holes large enough to fit the back of the cups into it, and move the drill vertically down to carve smaller straight opening so can secure the suction cups there.
Use the saw to cut out several 1/8 inch wide x 1 inch long openings from the top on the 3 other sides of the breeder box.
Need to decide the width, height and number of such openings yourself, depends on the output rate of the skimmer's powerhead, the water level from the powerhead, etc.
Always remember to cut out one or two openings at the beginning, and test it with the powerhead to see if too little/much water is entering the overflow box.
Also remember that there're small holes at the bottom of the overflow box, so if there is too much water getting into the overflow box, those holes can be sealed up.
Place the powerhead for the skimmer into finished overflow box, secure it with the suction cups, and position the overflow box to the ideal location.
Remember that the overflow box should be placed such that the edge of the box would be higher than the water surface, and water should enter into the overflow box from the openings which have been cut.
May need to tweak with the position and number of openings, and test with the water circulation pattern on the surface to produce the best results.
Basically that's it, may need to modify the skimmer intake tube which connects the skimmer to the powerhead, so that you can position the powerhead much closer to the water surface, and can be place into the overflow box.
It took me only 30-45 minutes to get mine done, so it shouldn't be that difficult after all, and since Hagen breeder box cost only a few bucks each, it's definitely much cheaper than those overflow box selling for tens or hundreds of dollars out there.
Comments
surface skimming with breeder box mod Written by
on 2007-03-20 13:08:00Thanks for this idea with the breeder box.
To eliminate step three as well as optimize this design for more surface water, here's what I'm going to do:
First, cut a square out of the wide side of the box. The square must reach all the way across to the very sides, but only about an inch and a half down, the down length depending on the forward / backward length of the box. I would then hinge (perhaps by plastic tiewraps through small holes) this square to the bottom edge of the cut out area. Then glue a piece of styrofoam or other such highly bouyant material to the inside top of the hinged "door". I would also recommend covering the outside of the door with some kind of plastic grid just small enough so that no livestock may pass through. Now as the powerhead removes water from the chamber, the door lowers and lets just surface water in. This is in effect, a miniature version of the skimming device found on (all?) spas and pools.
I'm sorry I don't know how to post pictures here or I'd just draw it. If anyone wants a drawing, email me and I'll send it. Hope you find this usefull.
surface skimmer Written by
on 2008-01-31 12:09:32I used an empty 20 oz. "Aquafina" water bottle. I cut the top off and put slots all around the top. I then used aquarium silicon to glue the cage from the end of my overflow filter to the inside bottom of the water bottle. I had to make one slot larger to work with my filter but it was easy and didn't cost me anything as i had it all at home. I only have a 20 gallon reef tank but my water is great. i grow corals and give it to all my "real" saltwater friends
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