JBL topclean ii with FX6

[Seth Bannister]

I’ve fitted a jbl topclean ii to my FX6 this weekend and I’m struggling with air in the filter.
Either the intake is drawing in a lot of air or the rate of flow in, is lower than the filter outflow creating the space/air.
I’ve attempted to slow the outflow rate on the FX6 using the brackets red tap but hasn’t helped.
Can anyone help?
This is my first post so if I’ve gone about asking this question, please let me know.

 

[deeda]

Seth, my guess is that the surface skimmer fitting is much smaller than the FX6 suction line and that may be the problem. How did you reduce the FX6 suction line to fit the JBL skimmer?

The JBL skimmer FAQ states that using a filter with more than a nominal 1500 lph can cause air sucking in, the FX6 is more than double that at about 3400 lph.

 

[Seth Bannister]

Thank you Deeda, that make perfect sense.
So if I set up a secondary inlet on a Y fitting I should be able to sort the situation right?

 

[deeda]

It should work that way if you use a Y fitting to split the intake hose between the skimmer and the aquarium as long as you don't reduce the size of the original FX6 intake hose.

Another option would be to use a 2nd smaller canister filter if you have one already for the skimmer alone.

Why do you feel you need to use a skimmer? I understand some people like them but I've never found a need for them myself. It just adds more equipment in the tank that you have to look at instead of the fish.

What is the size and dimensions of your tank and what fish are you keeping or planning on keeping?

 

[Seth Bannister]

I’ve had two small skimmers from Eheim doing the job until now. But like you say, extra kit in the tank is unsightly & the hope was to replace the original FX6 intake with this unit from jbl and do away with the Eheims.
I’m going to try the y fitting idea first and if that’s no good then look at getting a lower flow external. I find the need for the skimmer is dependent on what’s fed that day so it’s not always needed to be honest. Maybe I could put a tap on its inlet hose as well which I can just turn on when required. Thanks for you’re help.

 

[Seth Bannister]

I’ve got a 400l which currently has a large group of juvi geophagus and plecos.