HOB Overflow with Cannister Filter?

[alohami]

I am having an issue with 16gal. and am trying to come up with some sort of surface skimmer to take care of the surface matter/film on the top of my water. For filtration I currently have a Fluval 204 and BakPak Skimmer and two Aquaclear 10 powerheads.
Someone suggested shortening the intake tube on the BakPak to move the powerhead closer to the surface of the water (right now it's probably a good 2" below the surface) so it pulls the water from closer to the surface. This sounds like a good idea in theory, but I've been afraid to try it yet.
The other thing I have tried is the "pre-filter skimmer" that they make to go with the Fluval. It is basically a modified intake tube with a floating cup at the top that is supposed to self adjust to the water level and pull water from the top. It is helping some, but it seems like everytime I walk by I have to push the floating skimmer cup back under the surface, so this isn't a long term solution.
I would like to just plumb it for a sump/fuge, but I have an open stand and no where to hide it all, so that is not an option right now.
Is it possible to use a HOB overflow with a cannister filter? I'm sure it would take some rigging, because the tubing would be two different sizes, and I don't know if the cannister can function as a return pump.
Can it be done?
Has anyone done it?
Any suggestions?
THANKS!!!

 

[alohami]

Well...I thought the "pre-filter skimmer" was helping some, but its not.
Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[birdy]

If you have the rio pump for your Bak Pak skimmer then you can buy a preskimmer for it and it works really well.
I have also seen some people make a surface skimmer with just a powerhead and a rubbermaid square container, they cut teeth into the rubbermaid, cut a hole for the powerhead output and attach the box to the side of the tank.
I have never done the above trick but it sounds like it could work.

 

[alohami]

Actually I have the Maxi-Jet 1200 with mine. The only thing I have seen is the "bubble box" which is HUGE and covers both the inlet and outlet of the skimmer and it doesn't appear to skim water from the surface (there is a square in the bottom which is open and covered with a block of sponge) so from what I can tell it draws from the bottom.
Funny you should mention the rubbermaid idea. I was just thinking of something on that order myself, and was wandering around my kitchen looking for a little container. I found one that isn't quite what I'm looking for, but going to give it a try to see how it works.

 

[squidd]

Or one of those little "specimen" containers they sell at the LFS...

 

[my way]

^^^^^^^^^^^^
And a dremel tool

 

[pchromis]

Fluval makes a surface skimmer which attaches to the inlet tube. It takes in water at the regular end and also skims the surface

 

[alohami]

Originally Posted by pchromis
Fluval makes a surface skimmer which attaches to the inlet tube. It takes in water at the regular end and also skims the surface
I had hoped that would solve my problem, but that's what I have now and its not working very well. I have to keep adjusting the floating cup, and even when it is at the right level it doesn't seem to draw much water from the top.
The container I had on hand wasn't deep enough, so I think I'll try Squidd and My Way's ideas. The specimen container should be about the right size (and will look much nicer than what I was going to rig up) and I've been looking for an excuse to buy a dremel!

THANKS!!!

 

[alohami]

Well, my first DIY project was a success. Although I could use a little more practice with my Dremel-ing.

I plan to pick up another specimin container and try again. Regardless, it is definately doing the job.
I do have to shorten my intake tube slighly because its just a little too long and was lifting that side of the skimmer. For now I have a dowel lifting both sides of the skimmer up so it sits square.
Anyway, if anyone else is having this problem this is a quick, easy, and cheap fix.
Thanks again to everybody for your suggestions!