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  1. #1

    Converting Black skimmer to gravity feed

    Thought I'd put this up on a thread on its own in case anyone wants to do a similar conversion.

    I needed a skimmer with a 4" gravity feed to my filter. I wanted one with a floating weir and that wouldn't cost a fortune and couldn't find one so bought and DIYed my own.

    Equipment needed:
    Black skimmer
    160mm to 110mm flexible connector
    110mm pipe
    Dremel and a pencil

    I got my flexible connector from Plastics Express online. The skimmers can be picked up at most koi suppliers or online from a number of sellers.

    I didn't want to use a fixed tank connector as I couldn't find a 4" one that wouldn't either protrude into the skimmer (and I still need to install the basket on this skimmer) or where the flange was too large to connect.

    Method

    Put connector over skimmer and, using a short piece of 4" pipe tighten up the connections. Make sure you get the 4" pipe central on the base of the skimmer.


    Use a pencil to mark the inside diameter of the 4" pipe on the base of the skimmer and then remove the flexible connector. (You need to mark the inside of the 4" pipe, not the connector as you don't want the 4" pipe to be able to slide into the skimmer, just butt tight up against the base of the skimmer when done.)


    Using the dremel with a cutting disk, cut out the section from the centre. (Make sure you cut inside the line as you will get a very rough cut at first and will need to tidy it up with a sander afterwards.)


    Reinstall the flexible connector. (Notice how it looks like I haven't cut the base enough when you just have the connector on - it is larger than 110mm until you tighten it up.)


    And add the pipe.


    Close up.


    And this is what it looks like looking down into the skimmer - no lip and a smooth slide down to the filter.


    When I assemble this on the pond I am tempted to add Polyflex sealant in the gap around the 4" pipe, after I have tightened up the connector, to help seal the 4" pipe to the base of the skimmer. It probably won't be needed but better safe than sorry!

    Hope it's of use to someone.



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  3. #2
    Moderator Rank = Supreme Champion miles41's Avatar
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    Interesting that, and looks like it'll work a treat for you
    1630 Gallon raised pond
    4" 'Avenue' bottom drain
    Estro sieve
    Econobead EB60 bead filter
    Sequence 18000 pump, 6000 pump on skimmer line
    Elecro 2kW in-line heater
    Evolution Aqua 70 air pump
    Standard wall skimmer
    Hozelock Vorton 55watt UV
    and some nice koi

  4. Thanks freddyboy Thanked / Liked this Post
  5. #3
    Looks good and simple to make!

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  7. #4
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Nisai Fimbar's Avatar
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    Great. Thanks for this
    My skimmer does not pull enough water so will try this
    Cheers
    Mike

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  9. #5
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Sansai TIMSON 26's Avatar
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    Skimmer Mods

    I have mounted my black skimmer in the corner of the pond with an OASE 6000 pump attached directly to it,so the pump hangs underneath .The fittings are the same on both.Works very well and I keep it on winter and summer.I lost a pump to a freeze up a couple of years ago when it was out side the pond .The water froze up in the pipework and pump.I don't have that prob now. I couldn't run my pond now without a skimmer . Timson

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  11. #6
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Nisai ash's Avatar
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    This is a very useful thread as I’m contemplating this conversion but the photos aren’t showing up.

    Does anyone have cached versions of them they could post?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Profi-Drum, Nexus 220, 45 basket anoxic filter
    Ultra Sieve III, Ozone generator.


  12. Thanks silver.wolf.9883 Thanked / Liked this Post
 

 

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