Surface Scum 2

[Foody]

I was looking at the surface skimmer link that was suggested and decided that it looked an awful lot like what I already have. Today during my water change I removed the lower intake screen and covered and banded it with plastic. However, it didn't draw water into the filter. After returning it to it's normal self I realized that I didn't prime the system before starting it. Here is the question... Will just one single surface intake draw water into the system or does there need to be a way to draw air into the system also? Could it be that I just hadn't primed it?

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

maybe Tom knows the answer to your question

maybe Tom knows the answer to your question

if you are able and it's not a big hassle, post a pic of exactly how and where your canister filter draws water into it

 

[Foody]

Here is the photo. My question is: If I were to remove the deeper water intake screen and seal off that tube, would the filter then be forced to function using only the surface intake?

 

[tmz]

The one I use has and adjustment to regulate the amount of flow from the top and bottom. There is a plastic rod that comes out of the top which when rotated moves a plastic screw to open or restrict the bottom draw.
I set it for mostly top input but don't block off the bottom completely.If I did an occasional clog at the top would basically stop flow to the canister all together.

It should draw from the top only, if the top is unclogged and situated deep enough in the seawater to allow it; just deep enough to get a good eddy . Priming the canister is important. You may also need to let it bleed back air that may be trapped in the line. usually just shutting the filter off for 5 or ten minutes after priming will help with that.

 

[Foody]

Mine has no such regulation which results in minimal draw from the surface.