Surface Skimmer

[timpetty]

Bought a Fluval surface skimmer to attach to the canister filter I had. It seems to just suck up air which causes BILLIONS of microbubbles to come out the return end. I was wondering if anyone had any input on this? I adjusted it up and down but it seemed to suck in air no matter what I did. This is probably why I dont hear much about surface skimmers on the forums. Was wondering if anyone has used one successfully?

 

[SkiFletch]

Never heard of anyone using this successfully or otherwise...

 

[xxBarneyxx]

Never used them but seen them in use. They have to be adjusted just right so it pulls off the surface film without sucking in air. They are apprently a PITA to get just right and some designs work better then others.

Personally I wouldn't bother. Just use a spraybar on the fluval output right on the water surface and it should stop most surface film build up. It goes away in most tanks after they have been running a couple of months anyway.

 

[chrissaysyes]

Agreed, a spray bar does just as good really theres a reason why these things are only like $4 on ebay Also a lot of HOB skimmers have the prefilter that covers the powerhead intake but has a sponge at the top so it draws in water from the surface down, these are relatively cheap and do a pretty good job IMO.