Is it safe to use a surface skimmer in a shrimp tank?

**lindwurmx** · 11th Nov 2009, 20:32

I am using a surface skimmer in my currently cycling tank which will house my shrimps in the future and am wondering if it is shrimp safe? Will my shrimps or shrimplets get sucked into it? If the answer is yes, then what can i do to solve the protein layer on the surface of the water?

Thanks for the advise!
Cheers!!!

**beetroot** · 12th Nov 2009, 00:04

not safe. yes they will get sucked into it.... and the big ones may become minced shrimp

.

**stormhawk** · 12th Nov 2009, 00:24

DIY a netting cover for the skimmer's top section, the part with the slits for the water to flow in. That should prevent most shrimps from getting sucked by the skimmer's operation, and still allow it to do what it's there for.

**StanChung** · 12th Nov 2009, 00:43

Bigger shrimps won't be able to but some like to climb inside. Some fine netting over the floating element or reducing the skimming power would reduce chances sucking any.
Baby shrimps will get sucked in however.

**Xmant** · 12th Nov 2009, 08:28

Air bubble your tank water and the protein layer will disappear in a day time. Easy and simple solution.

**vernonlcm** · 14th Nov 2009, 11:59

I am very sure is not safe. The last time i open my cannister, i saw small and big shrimps in it so now i just have to use a net to cover on the skimmer. However by doing so, it can't skim much except if there is any film of oil in the surface of the water. I even thought of removing away the skimmer.

**Xmant** · 17th Nov 2009, 08:23

Don't waste your time trying to have protein skimmer in shrimp tank. If you are going to prevent shrimps and shrimplets from getting into your filter system, then most likely your skimmer won't be working due to the minute flow and the oily layer won't be able to remove from the surface.

Why don't you try with air bubbling? As mentioned earlier by me.

**vernonlcm** · 17th Nov 2009, 08:39

Air bubbling? I am using co2 with diffuser for my plants requirement so would it neutralise or reduce the co2 amount in the tank?

Originally Posted by Xmant

Don't waste your time trying to have protein skimmer in shrimp tank. If you are going to prevent shrimps and shrimplets from getting into your filter system, then most likely your skimmer won't be working due to the minute flow and the oily layer won't be able to remove from the surface.

Why don't you try with air bubbling? As mentioned earlier by me.

**Xmant** · 17th Nov 2009, 12:27

Sorry bro, I dont use CO2. CO2 ia mainly for plant keeping. It can reduce the water pH. I hope you are aware of that.

**eugene_syh** · 17th Nov 2009, 13:14

Originally Posted by Xmant

Air bubble your tank water and the protein layer will disappear in a day time. Easy and simple solution.

air bubbling means? haha.

**lindwurmx** · 17th Nov 2009, 20:50

haha ya tried the air bubble thing. It worked!!!

**Fuzzy** · 23rd Nov 2009, 15:25

Originally Posted by vernonlcm

I am very sure is not safe. The last time i open my cannister, i saw small and big shrimps in it so now i just have to use a net to cover on the skimmer. However by doing so, it can't skim much except if there is any film of oil in the surface of the water. I even thought of removing away the skimmer.

I can vouch for this also, surface skimmers at least the JBJ, Classica etc the common ones with the clear plastic skimmer tube head are not shrimp friendly.

I also found shrimp and shrimplets in my canister during maintenance.

The best solution is probably the eheim surface skimmer with the toggle valve. Manually turn on to skim, then shut it off afterwards.

**nicklimzhiwe** · 27th Dec 2009, 23:50

I personally don't use a skimmer.. No use for me too.. I guess it best to tackle the root of the problem.. I just throw in some floating plants to absorb the excess nutrients and my surface is crystal clear..