PicO Aquariums Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 UPDATE for the AC50: Ok so here is what I came up with so far. Simple surface skimming Optional float switch bracket with basic float switch included Room for heater if optional float switch not used Your thoughts? Link to comment
Spiderguardnano Posted May 13, 2014 Author Share Posted May 13, 2014 UPDATE for the AC50: Ok so here is what I came up with so far. Simple surface skimming Optional float switch bracket with basic float switch included Room for heater if optional float switch not used Your thoughts? looks awesome pico will the box have teeth? will this be a glue on or a magnet? Link to comment
PicO Aquariums Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 Currently magnet because it's just easy but I am looking into another option still. I would like to do it without the magnet to reduce cost and make the unit more ridged when mounted. Also i'm thinking without teeth to get better skimming but I know there is a issue with fish and whatnot. Thoughts? There's not much room for fish to get in but.... Link to comment
SushiYum Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 Looks good! How long will this be? Im gonna be using it on that tank i just got from you 12x12x9 with a ac70. Teeth would be okay. Or we could find a way for like a very open mesh filter....like the rain gutter guard thing. But if it works well with the float valve, im happy! Link to comment
jbb Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 UPDATE for the AC50: Ok so here is what I came up with so far. Simple surface skimming Optional float switch bracket with basic float switch included Room for heater if optional float switch not used Your thoughts? Hey Chris It looks like part of the output of the filter will fall directly onto the ato float switch. I would be afraid of that causing the ato to continually run. Maybe look into adding some sort of deflector to prevent this. -B Link to comment
SushiYum Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 And the output has to be blocked a little? Looks like water could flow right from the filter right into the box. Link to comment
PicO Aquariums Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 Hey Chris It looks like part of the output of the filter will fall directly onto the ato float switch. I would be afraid of that causing the ato to continually run. Maybe look into adding some sort of deflector to prevent this. -B It's just moved over a bit too far in the picture. "didn't realize when I was snapping pictures" Another reason I don't care for the magnets. It allows the box to move in all directions. My other version I am working on will not do that and none of them will be over into the return like it looks in the picture. Link to comment
jbb Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 It's just moved over a bit too far in the picture. "didn't realize when I was snapping pictures" Another reason I don't care for the magnets. It allows the box to move in all directions. My other version I am working on will not do that and none of them will be over into the return like it looks in the picture. Well in that case ... carry on sir Link to comment
PicO Aquariums Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 Yeah sorry about that guys I will be back at it for a bit tomorrow and i will see if i can get a couple new pictures. I will make it with teeth too. Link to comment
amlights Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 I feel like teeth w/ tall slits allow for more evaporation buffering for those that don't run an ATO. I'm not saying copy the BadFish design, but he really did have a good thing going. I think his design with a couple holes drilled in the bottom is the ideal set-up. Holes allow the most buffering for evaporation and you get the best surface skimming. You don't have to have 100% surface skimming to get the best result, just a majority of the water being pulled from the surface. Just a few thoughts. =) Link to comment
ewilson04 Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 I like the design and the magnet idea for adjustment depending on water level now just waiting for ac70 version Link to comment
PicO Aquariums Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 If this didn't pull water in directly from the bottom that may work but you have to remember the intake extends to the bottom of this thing. the majority of the flow would indeed come in through the bottom. Link to comment
amlights Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 Maybe... Depends on the size of the holes. Water takes the path of least resistance. If you use the Hagen-Poiseuille equation to determine size and create holes that are small enough to buffer evaporation when there is a "pull" from the filter (i.e. when the water has evaporated too far and is no longer coming over the top of the skim box), but are too small to allow for passive flow, the filter should receive most of it's water from the surface. I don't think that "where" the inlet is governs the water coming in as much as the resistance of the water. Now, I'll admit this is dependent upon how much resistance is offered to the water via the teeth as well. The design you have (which is awesome too!) has a straight weir which is most efficient. Link to comment
PicO Aquariums Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 Got the AC70 in today so I will be making the few changes we discussed and flow testing shortly. Link to comment
Reefkid88 Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 This is awesome,since BF went under,I've been wondering who would do something like this. If I send you a AC20,could you do a custom one for my girlfriends 6"x6"x6" cube ? Depending on how this turns I'm down to get one for my AC50 too !!! Link to comment
PicO Aquariums Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 Yeah let me finish up these two and i will go get one and add it to the list. Link to comment
PicO Aquariums Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 Ok here's the new setup: So this is the most basic this thing can get. No magnets This just slips on the intake pipe and done. It is still adjustable up and down but not side to side so no worries about movement at all on this thing. The little clip is just to even out the filtration box when hanging to keep it nice and steady. The AC 20 and 50 will come with one for 1/4" glass and the AC 70 will have both 1/4" and 3/8" glass adapters. Added all the requests in and i will be testing it out tomorrow. if all is well i will knock out the AC70 and 20 and away we go. i can start shipping them all ASAP. Link to comment
Spiderguardnano Posted May 14, 2014 Author Share Posted May 14, 2014 Ok here's the new setup: So this is the most basic this thing can get. No magnets This just slips on the intake pipe and done. It is still adjustable up and down but not side to side so no worries about movement at all on this thing. The little clip is just to even out the filtration box when hanging to keep it nice and steady. The AC 20 and 50 will come with one for 1/4" glass and the AC 70 will have both 1/4" and 3/8" glass adapters. Added all the requests in and i will be testing it out tomorrow. if all is well i will knock out the AC70 and 20 and away we go. i can start shipping them all ASAP. this looks awesome what is the priced shipped? is it possible to get a video to show how good it works when you test it Link to comment
Halo_003 Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 Looks nice. Would there be a larger one for more surface skimming area by chance? If not, no big deal and I'll be in on one. Link to comment
Reefkid88 Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 That's one bad a$$ looking piece of surface skimming machinery !! Consider me in, +1 on the priced shipped. Link to comment
PicO Aquariums Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 this looks awesome what is the priced shipped? is it possible to get a video to show how good it works when you test it Yes I will be making a video of the AC50 for everyone tomorrow Link to comment
PicO Aquariums Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 I am thinking as follows for the price: AC-20 $20 AC-30 $20 AC-50 $22 AC-70 $24 AC-110 $28 Shipping to domestic, it would be more for international. PM with address for international rate. Anyone looking to start a new tank using a AquaClear HOB? Buy a PicO naked series tank and I will throw in the skimmer box for free... Looks nice. Would there be a larger one for more surface skimming area by chance?If not, no big deal and I'll be in on one. Probably not. there is just not a good way to add to it other then out to the left of the box and that gets tough to support. Link to comment
Spiderguardnano Posted May 14, 2014 Author Share Posted May 14, 2014 can't wait to see the video Link to comment
Halo_003 Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 Probably not. there is just not a good way to add to it other then out to the left of the box and that gets tough to support. I figured as much, not a problem. I'll be in for one for sure, is this going to be a limited run product or a normal one for you? Link to comment
PicO Aquariums Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 I will likely just add it to the site long term. Link to comment
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