How to turn my HOB into a surface skimmer

[phidelt85]

Ok, now that I'm off the sump and onto sponges, I really miss the surface skimmer part of the sump. I have little blood worm casings just dangling on the surface now.

I'm wanting to convert the intake of my Marineland HOB into a surface skimmer. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[troyclark]

Jose, I have taken a piece of 3" PVC pipe with a cap on the bottom end. Cut the length just long enough so that it is 1/8 to 1/4" below the surface of the water. Place in tank. Place the HOT magnum filter so the feed tube is in the PVC and turn on. Might want to keep an eye on it if you have small fry. You could also cut the pvc so its out of the water about 1/2 inch and cut slits in it so smaller fish can't get stuck in it. Not very sightly but works. Clears the surface of a 55 gallon tank in only a few minutes. HTH

[phidelt85]

Thanks, Troy, I'll check it out. Do you just shut it off during WCs?

[troyclark]

Jose, I would turn it off during water changes or the filter will run dry. I actually only use mine on a need to use basis. I move it from tank to tank to get rid of surface film. I use the same pipe on my 55's, 120,s and 125's. I just adjust the water level in the tank to match the pipe and let it run for a while.