Python Gravel Vac = NC protien skimmer?????

[reefermike]

So i was sitting down pondering the meaning of nano reefing and i looked down at my python gravel vac and it hit me.. that thing is ready to a collection cup and an air stone.... Its alreeady almost 2 times the length of a berlin air lift, which means more contact time. Im ready to try it i just need to make a collection cup and get a wooden air stone. Any idea how this might do? Im thinking pretty good... if the berlin air lift can work then so can this. I mean im not using it right now so i thought i would try it.

Lets here some input.. Im probally not the first to think of this but hey i havent seen it done yet. The only thing is how to keep it stationary.. maybe fasten it to the wall or divider of the nanocube. Aswell i figure i can get a 1.5 inch collection cup in there. Its a tight squeeze but its worth a try

 

[reefman23]

Give it a try... get a nice wood airstone and a nice big airpump... the bigger the better. Wouldnt hurt to try... better than nothing if anything!

Jesse

 

[reefermike]

Thats wut im guessing. Not sure about an airpup tho i only have one and old one with 2 outlets.. it does fairly well with my sponge filters. it should do for testing

 

[drty811]

i dont see why it wouldnt work.....keep us updated. how about osme pics?

 

[reefermike]

Pic will come when i get a wooden air stone

 

[reefermike]

Ok well im trying it anyways with out a wooden airstone right now.. Any tips would be apprechiated. I have no idea how to tune this thing just wanted something to play around with... it fits nicley in the back with the cup on and i have 2 regular air stones for trial and it seems to be making some nice bubble. Just dont no water heigh and other details. thanks

 

[reefermike]

 

[drty811]

wow thats pretty sweet.....does it work? if so, does it work well?

 

[reefermike]

so far no... i need to get a wooden air stone... i was trying it with regular air stones and nothing. ill post back up tonight when i get a wood air stone haha

 

[reefman23]

Looks good.... let us know how it works with the wood airstone...

Jesse

 

[reefermike]

ok well my next problem is getting the water level down about 3 inches in the first chamber or else it wont work.... so im guessing small powerhead with a valve to adjust the water height.

 

[reefermike]

I played around with it some more.. I can get it in the back hood closed.. butttt.. the amount of air is only about 3/4 fully on so im going to see if it produces anything.. cant go and get a pump right now anyway... see how it turns out in the morning..

 

[reefermike]

Well i got some skimmate.. but it was too wet.. im going to put this on hodl till i get a pump. to bring my water level down

 

[reefermike]

I couldnt put this little project on hold.. i put the skimmer in the sump of my 72 gallon that jsut has saltwater in it. and this is what i got

this mornings tea

skimmer in action

and whats brewing in the collection cup

it works

 

[reefman23]

Cool! Two things.. is the airline tubing feeding into the bottom of the skimmer in the second to last pic kinked? Second... i would switch out the stainless metal bracket on your return pump pronto... go with a plastic.

Jesse

 

[reefermike]

Yes it is feeding into the bottem as i dont want to make any holes in my gravel vac. Im looking into 2" acrylic tube, It was just to see if the damn this would work and it does haha.. and as for the bracket. Im redoing all the plumbing when i get the tank going. I want to get away from this crap tubing. Its kind of a pet peve now.

FYI my pump is only 2.5 psi compared to the luft pump at 7 psi