real world experience with surface skimming HOB filter.

[D.WhiteShark]

I've done some poking around on here and around the web and haven't found much useful information. I am not looking for a Hang on Back Skimmer. I am looking for a HOB filter that can effectively or at least reasonably skim the surface of a remote "holding tank" that I keep extra inverts and snails in along with some live rock that basically just sits around until I need it. I keep a powerhead moving the water for surface agitation and gas exchange but nothing really to mechanically filter. Water level is about 2-3 inches from the top edge of the container and can't go a lot higher because there are cutouts at each end for handles.

Can anyone share a decent option that surface skims for mechanical filtration. Preferably a decent quality brand.

 

[slingfox]

The Tidal line of HOB surface skim. That is what I use on my fish and invert quarantine tank.

 

[D.WhiteShark]

The Tidal line of HOB surface skim. That is what I use on my fish and invert quarantine tank.

where will I be looking to find them?

 

[slingfox]

where will I be looking to find them?

They are sold everywhere: many of the major aquarium hobby retailers as well as Amazon

 

[D.WhiteShark]

They are sold everywhere: many of the major aquarium hobby retailers as well as Amazon

Thanks! I'll check em out

 

[slingfox]

Thanks! I'll check em out

I prefer to oversize these since that means more filtering capability and water movement. I use the Tidal 55 (for 35g tanks) on my 10g QT tank.

 

[dedragon]

seachem tidal is the hob i recommend most for multiple reasons including surface skimming. that and a sicce pump powering it and not having to use proprietary filter carts

 

[D.WhiteShark]

I prefer to oversize these since that means more filtering capability and water movement. I use the Tidal 55 (for 35g tanks) on my 10g QT tank.

That will probably be the direction I go too. I'm pretty sure this thing is listed as a 7.5 gallon but probably has closer to 5g true water volume

 

[dedragon]

i am going to be trying out the one linked below tomorrow. reluctantly had to set up a small tank for a citron goby that keeps smothering my acro frags
Amazon product

 

[dedragon]

idk if that link is working here is a screenshot

 

[exnisstech]

I made mine out of an old eshopps hob overflow and an aquaclear 110 hob filter. It works pretty well.

 

[slingfox]

i am going to be trying out the one linked below tomorrow. reluctantly had to set up a small tank for a citron goby that keeps smothering my acro frags
Amazon product

I love those small gobies but if you put them in a tank with acros then your polyp extension will suffer or be nonexistent.

 

[dedragon]

I love those small gobies but if you put them in a tank with acros then your polyp extension will suffer or be nonexistent.

this one apparently only wants to sit on my small expensive frags all day. probably gonna list it for $5 for someone to pick up. it is adorable and if it was just polyp extension i wouldnt really mind. already got my spath and now it is sitting on a princess peach and a really nice shortcake ugh

 

[Ocellaris123]

I dont use one for qt but my display. Simple, easy and does the job,new aquaclear 70 with a surface skimmer. Had to modify the surface skimmer to fit the new style aquaclear

 

[dedragon]

good catch, i didnt even realize they made that attachment. too bad fluval now has the design and jacked up the price. those used to be my budget go to hob

 

[D.WhiteShark]

Picked up the Tidal 75. Hooked it up this morning and seems like it's going to work perfectly for what I need.

Thanks @slingfox for the recommendation!