View Full Version : will the surface scum remover restrict filter GPH?
el wadd
07-08-2007, 5:50 AM
I'm considering trying the surface scum remover on the AC articles page. My only concern is that it could slow down the power of the filter by covering the intake.
Does anyone know anything about this? Has anyone ran one of these with good results? I don't want to add surface agitation to my tank, and this seems like a good alternative to get rid of that annoying scum on the surface of the water without adding an airstone etc.... *plus I hate the pastel color of the Rena intake tubing*:grinyes:
Native American
07-08-2007, 6:59 PM
I have a Hagen surface skimmer plumbed into the intake line leading to a Magnum 350 on my 100gal tank. I put a ball valve in between to adjust the amount of water it pulls in.
No effect whatsoever on the amount of water the filter can pull in, but there is less going into the primary inlet placed well below the surface because now there are two feed sources into the filter (primary inlet and the skimmer).
v/r, N-A
el wadd
07-08-2007, 8:49 PM
I'm talking about the article on the DIY Surface Scum Remover here:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/articles/scum.shtml. I'm just looking for a quick low maintenace fix to my current unsightly powder blue filter intake. The black PVC would hide it well against my black backdrop.
Native American
07-21-2007, 4:31 AM
It won't slow down the power of your intake. However....
...if you put that piece of PVC too far below the surface, you won't get much of a skimming effect. Too close to the surface, and the filter will pull water faster than mere gravity can replenish it (thus cavitating your filter).
Too bad the PVC can't be made to float, dropping lower in response to more flow (i.e., when the fitler media is new, and not yet loaded up), or rise up in response to less flow. That's what my Hagen does, and it cost $8.99 when I got it.
If you want your unsightly intake tube to change color, use Krylon Fusion paint. It adheres quite well to plastic. I had some epoxy repairs (gray color) that I coated with the stuff. It's tenacious once cured.
v/r, N-A