Question regarding Surface Skimmer

[Darkkon]

I've noticed that there tends to be a layer of oily looking thingie on the water surface of my tank. Is this what you guys called the protein layer? I also read some old threads about the use of surface skimmers to get rid of this problem. From what i understand, the skimmer has to be adjusted to the water level right? Does this mean that if the water level falls (due to evaporation) then the skimmer becomes useless and a potential threat cos now your filter is trying to take it water when there isn't any?

[sherchoo]

The skimming portion of the skimmer is actually floating.... if the water level falls, the skimmer will follow.

[chua]

Unless the water drop so much that the the level is below the floating portion ot the skimmer, there should not be any problem.

Water will not drop too much since water is change weekly. You can also top up your water occasinally.

[juggler]

Also to note that the skimmer takes in water from the surface and the usual bottom. The amounts at each can be adjusted.