Reef nutrition

Surface Skimming - worth it?

GDawson

GDawson

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OK....going to drill the tank and 86 the siphon overflow. During my research I see as options either an in-tank overflow box or a basically a strainer nipples that threads onto the bulkhead. With the in-tank overflow I’ll get surface skimming. With the nipple/strainer it will sit below the water line.

Opinions?

-Gregory
 
IMO, I think surface skimming is worth it, if you look at a tank without any sort of surface skimming you'll often notice an oil layer on the top, and this is exactly what you want to do. Those strainer nipples you're talking about are often used for closed loops to keep critters out when there's a pump worth of pressure sucking/pushing in those holes.
 
Surfactants such as proteins and other organics stick to the surface of the water. This is why you want your protein skimmer to be fed by water skimmed from the surface of the tank. Surface skimming also removes that layer of scum that acts as a barrier to gas exchange between water and air.
 
Oh for sure... not what "that" lady was talking about, only in drilling an aquarium context :)
 
I vote for surface skimming. I've had my tank without it before and the layer of stuff at top is really unattractive. It collects too much junk on the surface.
 
An easy way to do it is to drill the tank a little low for the bulkhead and use a 90 degree pvc angle on the inside of the tank. The top of the angle pvc will surface skim, you can put some type of plastic mesh in there to keep the creatures out. This doesnt look that great but its CHEAP!
 
Coral reefer said:
I'd use the in tank overflow box and drill. Surface skim is def the way to go! Still willing to lend a hand when you're ready!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the offer. Just hot back from Carson City. I'll get my sh*t together this week and be in contact.

-Gregory
 
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