Rookie Skimmer with AIO Question

[AtlantiCat]

So I have only a tiny pico tank ATM, but Santa's bringing us an IM Nuvo 40 AIO for Christmas.

I've never used a skimmer before, and I'm considering adding a HOB skimmer, but I keep seeing that they require X-amount of clearance. Is this clearance upward, downward, toward the back, or towards the sides? My inclination is upward, but again I've never used a skimmer before.

Also, if you have an AIO, do yours need a skimmer? Do you feel they're necessary on an AIO? All opinions welcome.

Thanks!

 

[FUNGI]

End of day, implementing a skimmer is up to you. I will say though, based on total water vol. your tank has, you would see a bigger impact just changing out a cup full of water every day.....having said that, HOB clearance would be a measure from back of tank to wall, (and of course height). I dont have an AIO, (some come with skimmers already built into the cambers) and TBH, I've never seen a HOB skimmer for a pico....just internal....BUT, I'm sure you can just DIY a HOB.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Is the IM 40 a rimless tank? I personally would never hang anything from a rimless tank.

 

[FUNGI]

sorry didnt read: "IM Nuvo 40 AIO"....
yeah lots of skimmers aval for the internal chambers.....

 

[AtlantiCat]

Is the IM 40 a rimless tank? I personally would never hang anything from a rimless tank.

It is rimless, yes, 8mm glass. I've used HOB filters on nano rimless tanks before, up to 10G without any issues for about 5 years. Is a skimmer that heavy? Is it likely to damage the glass?

 

[AtlantiCat]

sorry didnt read: "IM Nuvo 40 AIO"....
yeah lots of skimmers aval for the internal chambers.....

Ah, so use an in-tank skimmer rather than a HOB. Okay, I was only looking at the HOBs.

 

[FUNGI]

Ah, so use an in-tank skimmer rather than a HOB. Okay, I was only looking at the HOBs.

You can still use a HOB.....its up to you...

QQ3 Hang-On External Nano Skimmer

The Bubble Magus QQ3 HOB Protein Skimmer was designed to deliver powerful and efficient skimming in a compact, hang-on-back design for aquariums lacking space for a traditional in-sump skimmer. The QQ3 sits right on the rim of your aquarium, so there’s no messing around with magnets or brackets...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

but tons other options avail......

 

[FUNGI]

heck....even pick-up a used CPR (going for approx: $20)...and attach pump from your filter section chamber and return into another chamber and HOB. Ths is one I did running thru a wall to 40G tank on the other side of the wall....3 days skimming.....