Question on Skimmer Design

[DarrenCar]

Not sure if this post goes here or in the DIY section.

I have a series of pictures and a question on a skimmer design.
I recieved this skimmer yesterday that I will be returning due to it being broken.
In the first image we see the collection cup sitting into the riser tube as it would be in operation.

http://www.darrencar.com/images/skimmer1.jpg

In the second image we see just how it looks when seperated.

http://www.darrencar.com/images/skimmer2.jpg

The third image brings me to the question.
If the collection cup and the riser tube are just slid together with no apparent means of sealing these two parts together, what's to say that the foam will not travel between the sleeve on the collection cup and the riser tube and leak out ?

http://www.darrencar.com/images/skimmer3.jpg

[dattack]

It looks like it will leak out a little. Hopefully it's the in-sump model.

[mojo215]

Get a Euro-Reef:smokin:

[geo]

those are in sump skimmers. You will probably get a little gunk in between if its not a tight fit. by the time the foam gets up to that point it should be kind of dry, i wouldnt worry about it.

[myreef]

You could put an Oring around the "inner" tube and it should stop the leak. As George said, it is designed to be in sump anyway...not to say that is an excuse for it. :D

You can measure the diameter of that tube and should be able to pick up an Oring at Home Depot or Lowes.....Looks to be about 2 1/4", but that is just a guess.

[DarrenCar]

Thanks for the replies.
As far as the Euro-Reef I have a es5-2 on order and should be here this comming week. Only thing I dont like on that model though is it doesent look like it has a hookup for a remote waste cup. ( from the pictures that is )
I was asking about the other skimmer because I am planning a DIY skimmer with a full detailed set of plans. I was thinking that if this method doesent leak it would be a good way to attach the skimmer cup.
Another question I have is when designing a skimmer is there certian requirements for the riser tube length"s and waste cup size ? I figure the bigger the better but is there a minumum on these things ?

[conundrum]

if you build one, try to copy one that works well. the up tube length and diameter make all the difference. I use a life reef and like it.

It looks like your sealife relies on the flat top of the up tube sealing on the bottom of the cup, mine uses an O-ring at that location. what is with the verticle cut in the inner tube? Is this a venturi skimmer? if so, where is the intake air come from?