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 Man22 136]

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...

 

[ohhfishhh]

I’ve actually never faced this problem myself, as I’ve been using a skimmer for quite a while now, so I haven’t really had the chance to try little DIY fixes like this.

Personally, I’m always a little hesitant to modify equipment that’s going into the tank. I’d hate for a DIY fix to backfire and end up causing more trouble for the fish or the system. But I have to admit, it’s interesting to see how you got it working instead of throwing it away!