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    The Matrix Skimmer | A New Level of DIY

    I really enjoy DIY projects. There is something satisfying about your own work being created. But living downtown, it’s tough to find space to do large projects and often times we design an item and pay someone else to make it. That way if it’s a dismal failure I can blame someone else it’s not completely [...]

    I really enjoy DIY projects. There is something satisfying about your own work being created. But living downtown, it’s tough to find space to do large projects and often times we design an item and pay someone else to make it. That way if it’s a dismal failure I can blame someone else it’s not completely my fault. A serious DIY guy, Mike, first caught our attention with his solid block volute design for the Laguna 1500 motor. It was simple, well made, polished, and pulls 45scfh.

    We knew after having such a beautiful skimmer pump, Mike would need a beautiful skimmer. And most would say he accomplished that with this design. It looks like he got some inspiration by ATB’s older pyramid skimmer and created a rough prototype to test.

    Most would have made that and called it a day. Especially because it performed incredibly well…. But not Mike. Now that he knew the pump worked well he played with this design it make what I would have to say is the most well made and professional DIY skimmer I have seen. There is DIY and then there is this:

    The Matrix theme is  original and a fun twist on your typical skimmer. Another piece of originality is the double bubble plate to reduce turbulence inside the skimmer body.

     

    A removable bottom for easy access and cleaning to the bubble plate.

     

      

    And the final project assembled:

    This is a great DIY project, and Mike has some obvious talent-maybe the next Klaus? I am joking of course, but this guy I am sure will have some interest in custom skimmers… perhaps even a glassbox-design skimmer? Hmmm…

    A quote in regards to production, “The hard part is already done…it would just be a matter of assembly.” 

    Thank to Mike for permission to share this project with our readers.

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    • MR294

      Interesting idea on the double bubble plate, although I wonder if it is really more effective than a well designed single plate. Regardless, Mike has done an awesome job with the matrix(his DIY looks better than some “professional” skimmer companies).

    • Mike Granato

      Thanks for all the kind words, Eric. It’s quite weird seeing something that’s never been outside my basement presented in such a professional manner. Thanks again.

      Just a quick thought. Don’t you think Klaus’ very first skimmer was a DIY project too, LOL :-)

      MR294, I’m the first to admit that the double bubble plate is a complete experiment. I’m sure no one doubts by now how well the single bubble plate/diffuser works, but what about 2 of ‘em? From my early observations, it certainly doesn’t appear to be hurting things. Regardless (or as we say in the South, Irregardless) it was an idea that I luckily remembered to try as I was cutting the bottom plate, LOL.

    • Concrete

      The “Double Bubble” lol.. Have you considered replacing the pyramid with a cone to increase efficiency? Nice work btw

    • GSM

      I LOVE IT,

    • Mike Granato

      Thanks guys.

      I understand why the cone would be more efficient from a production perspective, but I’m not sure how much more efficient it is from a performance perspective. I could be WAY off in my thinking, but the cone and pyramid don’t really do the swirling thing. They pretty much just funnel upwards. The pyramid does offer more volume for the same footprint, however. Besides, as a box builder (cabinet maker :) ) by trade, I’m kind of partial to the “corners”.

    • http://wisconsinreefsociety.org Jonathan Manke
    • Trevis

      I run a later gen matrix and i love it. it replaced my asm g5 handily. The design is ingenious, and it's very easy to dial-in. Maintenance and cleaning are a cinch. i can't say enough good stuff about this design.

    • Trevis

      I run a later gen matrix and i love it. it replaced my asm g5 handily. The design is ingenious, and it’s very easy to dial-in. Maintenance and cleaning are a cinch. i can’t say enough good stuff about this design.

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