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  #1  
Old 03/08/2007, 09:09 AM
Brian Prestwood Brian Prestwood is offline
Chief Cat Herder
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 1,012
DIY Skimmers are Ready

Hey All DIYers

Who hasn't got theirs?

Are you providing your own pump or did you ask me to order one for you?

Anyone else using not using a Mag 9.5 pump?

Brian
  #2  
Old 03/08/2007, 09:45 AM
kevin95695 kevin95695 is offline
Reef Cowboy
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Woodland, CA, USA
Posts: 1,551
Got mine... Big thanks. I hope people understand the commitment Brian Prestwood made here. Brian: Let us know if there's some way to repay karma credit.
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  #3  
Old 03/08/2007, 10:21 AM
Reefugee Reefugee is offline
Premium Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Davis, CA
Posts: 4,227


Quote:
Originally posted by kevin95695
Got mine... Big thanks. I hope people understand the commitment Brian Prestwood made here. Brian: Let us know if there's some way to repay karma credit.
  #4  
Old 03/08/2007, 12:59 PM
MelodyCorals MelodyCorals is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Orangevale, CA
Posts: 248
Thanks Brian! That is great news. Thank you so much for all your work on this!!

I don't have mine yet - When/How is a good time for pick-up?

Thanks,
Josh
  #5  
Old 03/08/2007, 03:04 PM
Brian Prestwood Brian Prestwood is offline
Chief Cat Herder
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 1,012
Hey All

You are all very welcome. Thanks again for all your help.
__________________
Proud MARS Member Since 1998
  #6  
Old 03/08/2007, 09:26 PM
pbetito pbetito is offline
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Carmichael
Posts: 1,035
Where and when can I pick it up.. Thanks for all the hard work Brian and Ed (my buliding substitute). I have the pump, just need the hardware...
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Mike did it!
  #7  
Old 03/08/2007, 09:57 PM
Avalanche Wolf Avalanche Wolf is offline
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Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Spring Hill , Middle Tn
Posts: 624
You mentioned there might be some xtras at the meeting , any information on that ?
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I need to start moding my truck again. It was so much cheaper than this hobby !
  #8  
Old 03/09/2007, 12:04 PM
kevin95695 kevin95695 is offline
Reef Cowboy
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Woodland, CA, USA
Posts: 1,551
It is also important to note that besides Brian Prestwood there were several MARS members who put a considerable amount of energy into this project and walked away with nothing more than satisfaction. Minh, John, John, Steve, Larry, Ed, & Brian's family: Thank you.
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Did I say that out loud? Good. Somebody needed to.
  #9  
Old 03/10/2007, 03:07 AM
boviac boviac is offline
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Chico, California
Posts: 833
Thanks Again Brian,

I actually got mine working on my current setup. Much better than the old prizm!
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"I wouldn't say I've been missing it, Bob."
  #10  
Old 03/10/2007, 12:21 PM
Brian Prestwood Brian Prestwood is offline
Chief Cat Herder
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 1,012
Hey All

I'm posting the responses to some questions I received here...

The seal between the collection cup and the body of the skimmer leaks a bit. How do I stop it?

The bottom of the collection cup that fits into the top of the skimmer should be clean. If there is ABS glue (black) residue clean it off with some Goo Gone. Use soap and water to get the Goo Gone off. Put three windings of Teflon tape around the tube before you insert it. Insert it carefully the first time so the Teflon tape doesn't bunch up.

If it does leak at the seal the water will collect in the reducer at top of the skimmer. If there is a lot I siphon it out with some airline tubing.

I leave the same tape on when I remove and insert it. If it starts leaking. I add another winding or two. If that doesn't work I remove the old tape and start again. I find that as the Teflon tape layers compress they work better.

Cleaning the collection cup with a bottle brush is easy. How do I clean inside the body of the skimmer?

I clean the collection cup throat weekly. I clean the body of the skimmer once a month at most. The simplest way to clean the body is to get a large (2' long with 4" bristles) bottle brush and insert it into the collection cup opening at the top while the skimmer is in place. Twirl it around and then run a couple gallons through the skimmer into a bucket. This way you don't have to take the skimmer down to clean it.
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Proud MARS Member Since 1998
  #11  
Old 03/10/2007, 12:26 PM
Brian Prestwood Brian Prestwood is offline
Chief Cat Herder
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 1,012
Also...

My home phone number is on the club website under \About Us\Contact Us. I'll be home most of the weekend. I won't have much time to talk today (Saturday) so if you've got questions try to arrange for a Sunday pick up.

Brian
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Proud MARS Member Since 1998
  #12  
Old 03/10/2007, 12:31 PM
Brian Prestwood Brian Prestwood is offline
Chief Cat Herder
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 1,012
Another question...

What's the easiest way to drain the skimmer when I have to take it down?

While the pump to fill the skimmer is running plug the anti-siphon hole at the top of the skimmer exhaust riser with your finger tip. When a siphon forms turn the pump that fills the skimmer off while the hole is plugged. The siphon will drain the skimmer.
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Proud MARS Member Since 1998
 


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