Surface Skimmer and sponge

[teddy_ang]

Hi,

Anyone encounter a surface skimmer failure when used with a circular sponge covering the lower vents(skimmer)?

I did this to protect shrimps from entering the filter, but on several occasions have "air-lock" in my canister.

[Shadow]

Try using net instead of sponge.

[teddy_ang]

Good idea but won't the shrimplets go through the net?

Guess must find a fine mesh type.


Thanks.

[Shadow]

I used those small fish net, the hole is quite small, I don't think shrimplets can go through.

[teddy_ang]

Thanks again.

I removed the sponge and a neon got sucked into the intake vent.

Looks like a kazard for small fish as well.

Will try a fine net.

[Shadow]

huh really? how big is your inlet vent? Do you have those inlet head (Don't know what you call it )

[teddy_ang]

Seems the reason for the sponge causing the airlock is that the sponge clogs the lower skimmer intake and increases the siphon form the top skimmer.

The increased suction causes air to enter the cannister and seize the flow.

[teddy_ang]

huh really? how big is your inlet vent? Do you have those inlet head (Don't know what you call it )

Its the standard skimmer, black with transparent top.

The vents at the bottom are about 20mm slots.

I guess you can;t have it all...clear water surface and safe water column for fauna.

[teddy_ang]

Thanks for the advice. Here's the casualty...

CSI moment, was sucked in tail first. Mesh shopping lunchtime.

[Shadow]

It is the surface skimmer same as mine. Luckly none of my fish die because of it yet. I'm thinking maybe your fish is already die, floating and sucked.

Just buy those small $1 fish net

[blue33]

If your surface skimmer turn too much on the top for water to go in, you may get airlock also, 2 days ago it happened to me when i increased the skimmer, lucky i was back early to discover it before the canister broke down.