Surface Skimming.

[Mick Vallis]

Just thought I'd post this, my Fluval sk400 Surface Skimmer never worked & looking at it don't see how it can.
Problem is the gap the float needs to work is under the surface & thats where all the water is sucked in.
Rather than throw it in the Aquarium graveyard I thought I'd have a go at changing how it's used.
Firstly throw away the float, fill the hole with some fine filter material. Insert unit into tank at a slight angle so one side of the hole is under water & other is slightly above.
Tilted mine down towards the flow. Turn unit on, noisey, lots of air bubbles.
Tanks oily scum went in about 30 mins.
Not sure how long the units pump will last like that, but hey was going to chuck it anyway.

 

[Magnum Man]

I haven't had that problem for a long time, and still not sure why it went away, or how I got it it in the 1st place... I had a couple skimmers, don't remember the brand, but they were too noisy ( I think generally any working skimmer is noisy ), and too much maintenance... I think the oil, can come from some foods???

I currently use Tidal brand, hang on filters, which have skimmers incorporated ... still noisy, but really no added maintenance, and no blasted suction cups...

I personally think most skimmers would be better suited as wave makers...