Skimmer Alternative(s) ?

[westwind77]

I designed my system closed loop (many reasons) and I do not have a sump to install a skimmer. Next problem is that I have designed it so there are no 'hang-on' accessories either for a clean look around all sides. My question.... Is there anything that can do part of the job a protein skimmer does? The tank is a 110g x-hi. I ran a 75g for a couple years without a problem and no skimmer. However, this tank shows a decent amout of 'film' on the surface when looking up, besides reducing light penetration what other negative impacts can this 'film' cause? If my system is capable of keeping all 'trites' & 'trates' in check do I need one?
On a side note, this is the first tank I have set up to be visable from 3 sides. When looking normally (front to back) the tank looks crystal clear. However, when looking side to side about 1/2-3/4 way through you can see a little 'cloudiness', what can cause this? I do an 8g water change weekly using DI water. Could this be from the lack of a skimmer? Would installing some kind of 'polishing pad' into the filter system help clean it? I have a UV filter, but not installed yet, but it does not look to be anything the UV could take care of and I know UV kills good & bad.
When I do a water change I modified the siphon to 'skim' the water from the top so I am at least taking care of some of what I can. My filter company does offer a pick up that skims the surface as well as pulling water from the bottom, not doing the job of a real skimmer, just clearing and mixing it, would that be of any benefit?
110g X-hi (48x18x30)
Coralife Aqualight Elite 692w
Eheim 2229 Wet/Dry canister filter (Substrat pro only)
Eheim Hobby Pump 1262
Hydor In-Line 300w heater
I am finally 'almost there', this group is great! Thanks!

 

[sagxman]

You don't need a skimmer per se. So if you can keep everything in line without one, you should be fine.
But I wonder if there are any in-tank skimmers that would work for your tank size. I know there are for nano tanks. Maybe you could design a diy in-tank skimmer. Keep us informed if you attempt to tackle something like this.

 

[blacktop pete]

you said you had no problems in the past with your 75gal. the 110 should be the same not much of a difference, just keep good maint program. as for the film i placed one of my powerheads pointing upward and got rid of the film.

 

[westwind77]

Originally Posted by blacktop pete
http:///forum/post/2909532
you said you had no problems in the past with your 75gal. the 110 should be the same not much of a difference, just keep good maint program. as for the film i placed one of my powerheads pointing upward and got rid of the film.
The 75g had 2 large biowheel filters, water poured out and did a good job of mixing/breaking up the surface film, not the case with the new canister filter. The water level is high enough where, if I used it, the spray bar would not really have any affect either. I try to keep the output tubes close to the surface to break it up. I actually just ordered a surface skimmer intake for my canister, although it is not a 'recommended' part for the system I think if I set it up right it should work and I will be able to keep the film to a minimum.

 

[nihoa]

Originally Posted by westwind77
http:///forum/post/2909249
However, this tank shows a decent amout of 'film' on the surface when looking up, besides reducing light penetration what other negative impacts can this 'film' cause? If my system is capable of keeping all 'trites' & 'trates' in check do I need one?
i have read that when this film builds it prevent oxygen exchange with the water and we have certainly noticed that the more film we have the heavier the fish breathe. a really neat trick we read about was to remove the film with newspaper. take a piece of newspaper the dimensions of the tank and set it down on the surface of the water (powerheads and filters are off of course). you slowly remove the paper by rolling it up and out at one end so that it drags across the surface of the water. your oily film will stick to the paper and get hauled out. pretty slick but by no means do i pretend this takes the place of a skimmer. im gonna try the powerhead aimed at the surface idea too.

 

[natclanwy]

There isn't anything you can do that will perform the same function as a skimmer.
Running carbon may help with the cloudyness and you can place it in your canister in a filter bag or buy the premade carbon filters for the ehiem.
The film on the surface of your tank will inhibit gas exchange, you can try aiming your closed loop returns at the surface to help break up the film. If the surface skimmer works with your canister that will help tremendously.