Snailman CC skimmer question/idea

[Mr Bojangles]

Ok, Im sbout to make one of 4" model, now With the air line, everyone put them from the top down, makeing them go threw 5 feet of water. Couldnt you put them in the bottom so you just have a few inches? I know you would have to put the pump higher to stop shipen, but would it be better?

[dajum]

It would still have to pump against the same head of water. And then you would have to reach all the way to the bottom to change the bubbler. WIth it through the top it comes up with the cap.

But that brings up my question. How do you change the bubbler with those model where the upper reducer is cemented in? Or is it just sitting on top?

Dave

[Mr Bojangles]

well, mine has a removeable botom instead of a top

[Miller357]

I built an 8" snailman's CC skimmer, and I don't know if I would want to drain mine skimmer everytime I need to access the air stones from the bottom cap. I find that the air stone maintenance is required quite frequently. So with the air line going from the top down, I can leave the water moving through the main chamber while you clean and take the top section apart to get your air stones out.

I use 7 4" Rena Micro Bubblers (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=6&pCatId=3722) and I just have to soak them in vinegar about once a month for about 30 minutes.

[Mr Bojangles]

well I just put it from the top since everyone else dose, but I think I need a bigger air pump than mine now, so Im off to get one, but it works. Hey, the water level sould be at the top off the reaction chamber right? So it would be befor the pipe tapers from 4 to 2

[Miller357]

Yes, it should be at the top of the reaction chamber. Well, that is water with out air should be at the top of the reaction chamber. You will find that when you apply air the water level will appear far above the top of the reaction chamber.

Yes you will need a big air pump. I use Medo (http://www.medousa.com) pumps that can be found for cheap on ebay, I got the biggest one they make (model 902) for $65. They are linear piston air pumps rated for pressure. They are often taken out of medical equipment. Here (http://www.smartfishes.com/DIY/Medospecs/medospecs.htm) is a better list of specs and models. I can't read the ones on the medo site. I have to adjust air flow in mine from time to time. I tried all sorts of stuff, just using and air valve, bleading air. All were difficult to adjust. So I just used a dimmer switch on the air pump. This works great and highly recommend it.

This is by far the best skimmer I have used yet. I am currently building a new 6" CC Skimmer for my other tank.