Surface skimming help...

[Pez68]

So, right now I have a 29G with no sump or overflow. What's the best way to skim the surface? I've got a bit of film building up on the surface, even with good agitation from the powerhead. Suggestions?

 

[baldbean]

I use a cup and place it in the tank angled so only the surface of the water fills the cup. Its kind of hard to describe...

 

[Pez68]

I do that with water changes, but I'm looking for a permanent solution.

 

[Almondsaz]

What about a nano skimmer? The following pulls in surface skim. http://www.marinedepot.com/Hydor_Ko...n_Skimmers-Hydor_USA-HD00771-FIPSISNW-vi.html

 

[Pez68]

I've seen too many folks claiming that the nano skimmer doesn't do much of anything to surface film to spend $120 on it.

 

[Dmorty217]

Add more flow or a sump and overflow box is your two best options

 

[Dmorty217]

Skimmers will do nothing for surface skimming FYI, skimmers take out the dissolved waste in the water with micro bubbles, not by surface skimming

 

[Pez68]

That's what I figured. I adjusted my powerhead so it is hitting the surface a lot more. Really, most of the surface film right now is from these damn snails spawning all over the tank. Had none until they started that!

 

[eacosta]

I haven't done this, but I have heard of people building a small overflow box for the hob skimmer intake. Might search online a little it. Otherwise the skimmer will never pull all the protein from the surface. I had the same issue even with my reef octopus bh1000 hob skimmer. Part of the reason why I am upgrading to a drilled tank with overflow.