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SURFACE SKIMMER

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

Fish Link Central

Manufactured by OSCAR ENTERPRISES, INC, the Aquarium Surface Skimmer claims to :

1.    Remove organic film on the water surface

2.    Prevents un-desirable biological processes on the water surface.

3.    Helps improve exchange of oxygen.

DESCRIPTION & INSTALLATION

It features a full control value, 360-degree intake float, flexible hose and a suction-cut unit holder. Installation is rather simple and the equipment can be used with most filter types. I first used mine with the FLUVA external canister and presently with the Eheim 2217 filter. There are 2 inlets on the skimmer to the canister filter. By means of the flowcontrol lever (through the float & silt in the main cylinder), the rate of inflow can be balanced between the lower inlet and the surface inlet.  The surface inlet is designed to float on the water surface and adjustment should be made till the silt is about 2-4 mm below water surface to "skim" the few mm of the water surface.

Other comments :

1.    It is inevitable that air will also be drawn into the canister filter with the surface skimmer and this may not be good for the filter impeller. However, I have not observed any adverse impact to my canister filter at this point of time (since Jul 2003).

 

CONCLUSION

I consider the Surface Skimmer a good buy notwithstanding the shortcomings.

 

(Updated in Jul 03)

 

Tips for adjusting the float

Adjust the flow control to only allow a thin film of water to be  skimmed from the water level. A good indication is to adjust till the water level is about 1/2 within the transparent plastic float.    

COMMENTS & REVIEW

Likes :      

1.    Based on how I installed the equipment and personal experience, the equipment is effective in skimming the water surface when adjusted to the correct level. 

2.    The suction cup are of good quality and installation is a breeze.

 

 

Dislikes :    

1.    However, I observed that at times the float can be completely submerged when there are some disturbance to the water level by the bigger fishes. As a result, I initially have resorted to tying the float to the main cylinder at a pre-determined level. However, this has to be periodically adjusted as the water level drops due to evaporation. Recently, I discovered that with a little patience and experience, it is possible to adjust the control to a point where total submergence of the float is minimised. 

2.    The gurgling sound when water enters from the surface inlet.

 

Schematic diagram of the surface skimmer in my tank

Other types of surface skimmers in the market (Aquaclear, Fluval and Eheim)

 

FLUVAL Surface Skimmer

EHEIM Surface Suction Extractor  

AQUA CLEAR Surface Skimmer

   

 

 

 


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 Please e-mail all comments and questions to kingfish09@hotmail.com

Last update : 7 Dec  07

Established since June 2001