Adding a drain line to skimmer collection cup

Shekki · 01/31/2008, 10:52 AM

I want to add a drain line to my ASM skimmer cup. If anyone has done this, please post a picture or at least describe the parts you used.

WarrenG · 01/31/2008, 10:55 AM

I don't have the ASM, but the drain line in mine gets clogged with gunk often enough that it's only somewhat useful. I used 3/8" tubing.

chris4869 · 02/01/2008, 11:48 AM

I don't have the ASM either, but my AquaC comes with one.

1/2" Hole in the Collection Cup
1/2" x 1/2" 90Â° MPT x Insert Elbow
Teflon Tape

SDguy · 02/01/2008, 11:53 AM

You can either tap the cup, and screw in a barb fitting, or just drill a regular hole, and glue it in permanently. You then also need to close any other holes in the cup or lid, so that the new drain hole is the only way for air/skimmate to exit the skimmer...this will force it through, and prevent clogging from simply passive draining. hth.

Mine is 1/2" and came with the skimmer, so it is tapped.

Shekki · 02/01/2008, 03:56 PM

Thanks a lot for the info. Looks easy enough.

jade2122 · 02/02/2008, 10:15 PM

aren't most of collection cups plastic material? can you just drill that without if cracking? i would like to add a drain line to my skimmer but have always been afraid of breaking the collection cup

01/31/2008, 10:52 AM	#1
Shekki Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ocean City, MD Posts: 651	Adding a drain line to skimmer collection cup I want to add a drain line to my ASM skimmer cup. If anyone has done this, please post a picture or at least describe the parts you used. __________________ Elos mini reef Current Tank Info: Elos mini, reefkeeper 2, Vortech MP20, ice cap moonlight, Reef Fanatic ATO

02/01/2008, 11:53 AM	#4
SDguy Fish heads unite! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Diego Posts: 23,384	You can either tap the cup, and screw in a barb fitting, or just drill a regular hole, and glue it in permanently. You then also need to close any other holes in the cup or lid, so that the new drain hole is the only way for air/skimmate to exit the skimmer...this will force it through, and prevent clogging from simply passive draining. hth. Mine is 1/2" and came with the skimmer, so it is tapped. __________________ Peter SDMAS member Marine tanks since 1989. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><((((º> Current Tank Info: 240g butterfly and angel FOWLR. 15g QT.

02/01/2008, 03:56 PM	#5
Shekki Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ocean City, MD Posts: 651	Thanks a lot for the info. Looks easy enough. __________________ Elos mini reef Current Tank Info: Elos mini, reefkeeper 2, Vortech MP20, ice cap moonlight, Reef Fanatic ATO

01/31/2008, 10:55 AM	#2
WarrenG Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Sunnyvale, CA Posts: 738	I don't have the ASM, but the drain line in mine gets clogged with gunk often enough that it's only somewhat useful. I used 3/8" tubing.

02/01/2008, 11:48 AM	#3
chris4869 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 1,006	I don't have the ASM either, but my AquaC comes with one. 1/2" Hole in the Collection Cup 1/2" x 1/2" 90Â° MPT x Insert Elbow Teflon Tape

02/02/2008, 10:15 PM	#6
jade2122 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Orlando, Fl Posts: 922	aren't most of collection cups plastic material? can you just drill that without if cracking? i would like to add a drain line to my skimmer but have always been afraid of breaking the collection cup