opinions on this preskimmer

[DetectiveTofu]

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=AC3323

I was considering purchasing the preskimmer box mentioned in the link above to help eliminate the oily film on top of my water. I am currently using a CPR BAK-PAK; I swapped out the stock Rio and am using a MJ1200 (with the venturi mod).

I figure I will use this but I am thinking that since the preskimmer box only pulls water from the very surface, if my water level were to whatever reason drop (evaporation) a little my MJ1200 would be running dry correct? I know I could top off everyday, but is there any other way to prevent the MJ1200 from running dry? Someone told me I could drill holes in the bottom of the preskimmer box...

 

[bladze]

I used to have small tank. I pointed my power head upward to break up the surface.

 

[sfsuphysics]

IMO you really NEED a pre-skimmer box for HOB skimmers, sure they still work without one but it's a night and day difference.

 

[brianbigoats]

That won't work with your skimmer CPR makes one that will work

 

[650-IS350]

Here you go, I bought my stuff from them, for my Large aqua fuge w/protein skimmer...

http://amekaaquatics.com/search.html?productcategory_id=17

 

[-=Zepplock=-]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9835261#post9835261 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sfsuphysics
IMO you really NEED a pre-skimmer box for HOB skimmers, sure they still work without one but it's a night and day difference.

I have 10g tank with HOB Coralife65 skimmer and I use no box and I have no film

Here's my recipe:
the outtake of the skimmer has a box. Which is catch-all-bubbles box. It has a ponge that catches bubbles, etc.

Make sure that box's top is above the water, so that the water overflows it. What it does is that it'll take parts of film (on surface) and drag it into the tank.

it'll take care of the film in couple of hours. The surface looks awesome. Like liquid mercury - if you know what i mean ;-)

 

[DetectiveTofu]

Okay, so my real concern is this: When a preskimmer is used, the MJ1200 no longer sucks water directly from the water column, but instead sucks most of the water that is taken in is surface water via the preskimmer chamber. When evaporation occurs, the water level drops, but the pre skimmer stays in place. If the water level were to drop too far, the MJ1200 would run dry. someone recommended that I drill holes in the bottom of the preskimmer to allow water to enter the chamber from other points rather than just the surface. Any feedback about this?

thanks
RF

 

[sfsuphysics]

Do you have a sump or something pushing water into the tank? Some sort of overflow box? If not, then ditch the pre-skimmer idea because you're 100% right your evaporation will be a hassle to deal with. However if you do have a sump or someplace your tank water drains to to be pumped back into your tank then it's the sump that will "lose water" and not the main tank, i.e. that's where you will see the water loss.

 

[DetectiveTofu]

I do not have a sump Evaporation will be that large a hassle to deal with even if I have a lid on the tank? Because the slick on the surface of my water is something I would LOVE to be ridden of.

 

[DetectiveTofu]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9836080#post9836080 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by -=Zepplock=-
I have 10g tank with HOB Coralife65 skimmer and I use no box and I have no film

Here's my recipe:
the outtake of the skimmer has a box. Which is catch-all-bubbles box. It has a ponge that catches bubbles, etc.

Make sure that box's top is above the water, so that the water overflows it. What it does is that it'll take parts of film (on surface) and drag it into the tank.

it'll take care of the film in couple of hours. The surface looks awesome. Like liquid mercury - if you know what i mean ;-)

also, I believe the box on the out take of the skimmer you're referring to is the bubble trap? If water is expelled from this box, how will it take film in?

 

[-=Zepplock=-]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9839226#post9839226 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rhythmicfire
also, I believe the box on the out take of the skimmer you're referring to is the bubble trap? If water is expelled from this box, how will it take film in?

Well, the water from the bubble trap overflows and takes film with it.
The film is thin layer of protein/etc molecules which spreads over the tank surface evenly because of the surface tansion. If water from the bubble trap box takes just a few particles of the film with it - eventually the surface gets clean.

In my tank the surface is crystal clear. it's like polished mirror, if you look from bottom up. No film or debris.

 

[Vincerama2]

Aim a powerhead at the surface and your film will go away!

V

 

[DetectiveTofu]

thanks for all your help
I actually aimed the out take of my marineland canister toward the surface of the water to create surface tension - so far so good!

And I save $23 not having to purchase a preskimmer box. Woot!