HOB filter Mod to have surface skimmer

[Firestarter]

Hi all,

I'm thinking of modding my HOB filter w/o surface skimmer to one that can skim the surface.

Will drilling a small hole at the intake of the HOB at the water level work? I'm concerned that the HOB will suck air in... what are the adverse effects of doing that?

How does a normal surface skimmer prevent air from being sucked in?

Please advice as I can't find a small enough HOB + surface skimmer for my pico tank.

Thanks!

[tunicate]

Unlike a tank with sump setup, your display tank water level is going to fluctuate due to evaporation & top-up. Drilling a hole will not work because when water level falls below hole, your filter will start sucking air & no water will move.

Instead, you need to get an off-the-shelf surface skimmer(see pic below) and attached its flexible hose to your HOB inlet. Its overflow comb is design to stay with the water level.

Pic from MarineDepot.com

[Firestarter]

Hi tunicate, what about those HOB filters with in built surface skimmer? Do they adjust to the water level too?

Don't think an off the shelf surface skimmer will work as my tank is too small.

[SamuelTan]

I did a surface skimmer add-on to my HOB filter, http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum/showthread.php/79912-DIY-Surface-skimmer-for-HOB

[tunicate]

Below is a HOB filter with built-in surface skimmer. "SUN" brand Model "B3" (I think they come with different sizes like "B2" & "B4",...etc. I got it from C328 auntie couple years ago. The black piece floats and auto adjust to water level in the tank. Overall, it should take up less space than what I mentioned earlier.

[Firestarter]

Thanks tunicate.

Will drop by C238 later.