Any way to skim surface with a 9002 skimmer

[Blair]

I have a Tunze 9002 in tank skimmer for my 20 Gallon tank. So far I am happy with it, but I would like to know if there is a way to get it to skim the surface water. Any ideas other than adding an overflow and sump?

thanks
Blair

 

[rvitko]

Stronger flow near the surface should eliminate the surface stratification and solve the problem.

 

[Musho3210]

make an in tank sump, maybe something like what the all in one nanos have. Or make an overflow without the drilled holes.

 

[GSMguy]

surface agitation is the key if you have a "Film" on the water you need more flow at the surface

 

[smatter]

You could add a Nano Cleaner for like $50 and you'd have a Reefpack 200 minus the magnet and bucket. It would allow you to deploy mechanical and chemical filtration, and skim the surface.

 

[smatter]

You know what though? I just pulled out my Nano Cleaner and it looks much better and more open in the tank. My new 6055 is just ripping up the surface, no need to surface skim anymore. The less equipment in the tank the better, just my 9005, a heater, an Osmolator, and a couple of Nano Streams are all I need.

 

[Blair]

What does the nanocleaner do? How does it work?

Thanks
Blair

 

[smatter]

Its a box filter with a pump at the bottom. The water enters at the top through an opening with a grate and falls an inch or two inside which strips off the surface film. It passes through whatever media you put inside and is pulled out and back into the tank by the pump at the bottom.

 

[rvitko]

Basically, imagine the old fashioned corner filter that you put some floss and carbon in and ran off an air pump. It is a more modern pump driven version.

 

[Blair]

Sounds interesting, maybe I'll look into that. Thanks for all of your help.

Blair

 

[smatter]

I put the 3165 Nano Cleaner back in. Even with a very turbulent surface, after a couple of days a film and bubbles started to accumulate. If I had the pumps aimed any higher water would have been splashing over the sides. I like the tank better without it but it is not too obtrusive and it is nice to be able to throw a bag of carbon in there.