Skimmer Mod: Collection Cup Drain

[jbdreefs]

I need some guidance here. I want to put a drain on my skimmer's collection cup. Has anyone done this before? I don't want it to be jerry rigged, or have a higher than needed potential of falling apart.

My thought is that there should be a little valve (like for the water from the fridge) that is made of plastic. I'm thinking it should have a threaded side, and a quick connect on the other side would be awesome.

I'm planning to drill a whole, size to be determined, in the bottom of the cup. Thread the fitting through the whole and attach with rubber gaskets and a nut. Now the only problem is finding these misc. pieces.

I'd like to have a valve because I don't necessarily want this to drain all the time. The drain is nice to have when there is a need to wet skim. This is the only time I plan to use it.

Anyone see a major flaw with this plan? Do you have suggestions on what diameter I should shoot for? I'm considering 3/8" or 1/2". If I can only find the parts for 1/4" then I will be willing to go that thin because of the application (wet skimming).

Thanks in advance!

 

[haninja]

My suggestion would be to drill a hole rather then a whole because if you trill the whole there will be nothing left to drill a hole in.

 

[haninja]

On a serious note, what kind of fitting were you thinking of? If you want to make a threaded hole you will also need to tap it. Make sure you got the right tools.

 

[1mbrews8]

^lol! Does the skimmer not have a drain hole already in the collection cup? Both my reef octopus' did so I just got clear tubing to fit over it and go to a 5g bucket..

 

[Jaycen B.]

http://www.homedepot.com/Plumbing-Pipes-Fittings-Valves-Polyethylene-Pipe-Fittings/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbuu4/R-100208234/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051">http://www.homedepot.com/Plumbing-Pipes-Fittings-Valves-Polyethylene-Pipe-Fittings/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbuu4/R-100208234/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051</a>

Something like this should work.

 

[cr500_af]

Most skimmers have a barb fitting in the bottom of the cup... a tapped hole, a barb and some teflon tape and you're in business. If you want a valve, just replace the barb with a John Guest fitting (larger is better; you don't want the chunks of skimmate to clog it).

 

[jbdreefs]

Thanks guys!

Unfortunately, my skimmer did not come with a drain hole.

Haninja, you're "write"! .... lol. I would have serious problems.

I think the parts you guys suggested will work perfectly. I'll work on it this weekend and post pictures.

Thanks,
John

 

[cr500_af]

Just be careful drilling and tapping. Acrylic doesn't like much pressure. Take it easy and slow.

 

[mvm]

cr500_af;737429 wrote: Just be careful drilling and tapping. Acrylic doesn't like much pressure. Take it easy and slow.

That's what she said.:lol2:

And he's correct!

 

[jbdreefs]

In my limited experience, drilling holes in acrylic is easy, but over tightening bolts, screws, etc can cause cracks and should be done with caution. Agree?