To Skim or Not to Skim?

[Dan F]

I'm curious how many people use surface skimming intakes on their overflows/intakes.

I used to have only skimming overflows on my main tank but have since gone to both surface and subsurface overflows. I've noticed the newer factory overflows (Aqueon Megaflow and Marineland Cornerflow) also pull water from different levels.

Please posts your thoughts on the pros/cons of surface overflows/intakes versus subsurface.

 

[JK47]

I skim from the surface because I like the water column well oxygenated and don't like hearing the returns blaring at the surface (alternative to surface intake) like a dirt bike... I do like the designs that pull from both the water surface and the substrate though, seems far more effective for mechanical than surface only. I could be wrong though. My preference is a surface level in conjunction with canisters for mechanical.

 

[Diskboy12]

Mine do both.

 

[dawnmarie]

My two largest tanks are at opposite ends of the spectrum.

My 240 utilizes a hybrid UGF, closed loop pressure system with a DIY Spraybar return at the surface.
Pros: Cheap to build, Simple to maintain, Ample Bio Filtration, Adequate Mechanical filtration.
Cons: Requires regular thorough gravel vacs, Cichlids will dig up and disturb the UGF from time to time.

My 100 uses a reverse UGF, closed loop pressure system fed by four 3/4" surface skimmers. I've only had it stocked for about a month so my findings are preliminary.
Pros: Cheap to build, Easy to maintain, Ample Bio Filtration, Adequate Mechanical Filtration.
Cons: I haven't found any yet.( Special thank's to Ron, Toby and Justin for the imput)

So far the gravel bed and water column are staying clean. Parameters are stable and the fish seem happy. If this continues I will be converting my 240 to the same configuration.

The only perceived problem ? It's just not sexy.
It's like borrowing mom's car.
It gets you there and back fine.
You just don't look cool.

 

[pjsmetana]

The only perceived problem ? It's just not sexy.
It's like borrowing mom's car.
It gets you there and back fine.
You just don't look cool.

HAHA! You sound like me 15 years ago!

 

[dawnmarie]

HAHA! You sound like me 15 years ago!

Here's a real laugh for ya. The last time I borrowed mom's car was 1975.

 

[CHOMPERS]

The only perceived problem ? It's just not sexy.
It's like borrowing mom's car.
It gets you there and back fine.
You just don't look cool.

LOL

Here's a real laugh for ya. The last time I borrowed mom's car was 1975.

1975 is about the limits of my memory. I was still in elementary school.

 

[dawnmarie]

I feel much better now.

I guess I'll take my Geritol and hit the sack.

 

[Dan F]

I feel much better now.

I guess I'll take my Geritol and hit the sack.

They still make Geritol?

I'm with Chompers, my memories of 1975 are pretty fuzzy, as I was only three years old...

 

[CHOMPERS]

I was three during the first landing on the mood (my dad worked for NASA). We were watching the landing on TV and then went outside to see them better. The mood was full but we couldn't figure out why we couldn't see them.