Skimmer for AC filters

[Tyler718]

Has anybody ever tried the skimmers that can be added to the AC line of filters. On my 150g I had some organic film on the top of the water that I could not get rid of.

I was at the LFS the the other day and saw this and figured that I would give it a try. So I spent the $15.00 and put it on my extra AC500. It got rid of the film in a matter of 2-3 hours. I was quite impressed for only spending that little amount of money. Since it has adapters for of the AC's I can rotate it between them.

 

[125gJoe]

If I was using a HOB (of course AC), I'd get one of those....

Do you have any bubbles in the tank (air stones, etc..)? That could help prevent the "slime" on top.

 

[Tyler718]

I have no bubblers in this tank. It would have cost me the same amount if not more for the air pump, tube, and stone.

To me this was the deal. You are able to adjust it so you can get the top layer of water and the rest from the botom. I might go and pick up one for my 60g malawi tank.

 

[OrionGirl]

So it has intakes at both the surface, and underneath? Interesting...Can you see a difference in the output? Just wondering if it's pulling in more air and less water.

I can't have a surface filter on any of my setups right now--too many floating plants that would just clog a skimmer immediately. Would be a good choice for a few tanks that are on the horizon.

 

[Tyler718]

Originally posted by OrionGirl
So it has intakes at both the surface, and underneath? Interesting...Can you see a difference in the output? Just wondering if it's pulling in more air and less water.

On the top there is a long rod that sticks up out of the water and runs through it to a plug in the bottom. You adjust the plug to where you want it. You can have it take in water from the bottom, top, or both. I adjusted it until it wasn't sucking air and only water was coming in. So I have water coming in from both. Also, there is no difference on the output.

I took a pic of it in the tank last night. When I get home from work today I'll post it so you can check it out.

 

[Tyler718]

Here is the pic of it. The water is coming through the grates around the bottom and from the skimmer on the top.

The adjusting rod is through the middle and sticking out about 2' out of the tank cover.

 

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by Tyler718
Here is the pic of it. The water is coming through the grates around the bottom and from the skimmer on the top.

The adjusting rod is through the middle and sticking out about 2' out of the tank cover.

Nice set-up for the HOB !