[Wet Thumb Forum]-Eheim Surface Extractor - Page 2 - DIY Aquarium Projects

Justin Fournier · 08-11-2003, 07:12 AM

You could try shouving the pot scrubber down into it, but it would have to be very loose in there, as to not block the flow completly.

Also you would have to fix the arms in a certain position or they would fall down into the water with the weight of the pot scrubber in them.

Theoretically you could only use the surface extractor a number of minutes per day, as in leave it shut off most of the time, then 10 minutes a day perhaps use it to clean up the scum.

You could also just try a Black molly....

George Willms · 08-11-2003, 07:26 AM

the black molly worked for me!

George

Tank specs in profile

Momotaro · 08-11-2003, 08:28 AM

Justin, that is a great idea!. With the ball valve, I should be able to open up the Surface Extractor, run it, and then "shut it down".

George, low tech always works doesn't it!

Mike

George Willms · 08-11-2003, 09:10 AM

Hi-tech has its place, as does low-tech. But sometimes when you want something fool proof and easy you just have to go with something proven. And that is usually the low-tech approach. But don't be misled....I love my technology too! I just like it to work all the time.....

George

Tank specs in profile

Justin Fournier · 08-11-2003, 09:26 PM

hi-tech or low-tech, depends. I have done low tech for a while, so my new system I am setting up is super high tech. For my standards anyways. hahahahahaha wait till you see this set-up!

Back on topic, try out the ball valve system, if it does not work, it's not like it costs $100 or anything. Sell it for a $20 loss and consider it valuable experiance!

Momotaro · 08-16-2003, 04:09 PM

Installed the surface extractor this afternoon...so far so good

. It is an interesting piece of equipment to be sure and it is doing a fine job. Although it has clogged up with some Riccia, the surface of the water is clear.
I followed Tenor1's advice and installed the surface extractor with a second siphon. I ran it off of the Eheim 2215 I use for mechanical filtration and water circulation. Piece of cake job. I was also a bit proactive and wrapped the weight in the siphon with a small bit of electric tape. I don't want to hear a rattle at all.
Justin is also correct about the "shut off" that is included. It is a very simple device that looks like it may be prone to failure. I installed a ball valve just below the surface extractor's siphon tube to act as a shut off. I also included the ball valve to help maintain the siphon during filter maintenance. Reestablishing one Eheim siphon is tough enough. Two siphons? Well lets not go there now.
Many thanks to both Carlos and Justin for their help in making this an easy installation and for all the usage tips.

Mike

Rene · 08-23-2003, 10:54 AM

WOW!

Sounds like the eheim surface skimmer is not that fiendly to use. If I were you I would go out and buy the fluval surface skimmer and retrofit it into your eheim tubing.

I have experience with the fluval skimmer, it works great and without any problems. The unit never clogs, and you can adjust the intake level easily. On top of all this, its alot cheaper than the eheim extractor.

Just giving you my two cents.

Note: the hobby is suppose to be fun, not a hassle.

Momotaro · 08-23-2003, 01:10 PM

The surface extractor is much more friendly than fiendish!

It works extremely well. No trace of anything on the surface, and that is the reason I bought it in the first place.
I don't mind paying a bit more for an Eheim product. They are all well engineered and built. They perform exactly as stated by the manufacturer. Never a surprise, never a disappointment. Quality.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Note: the hobby is suppose to be fun, not a hassle. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Who said this wasn't fun????

Mike

JERP · 08-29-2003, 10:13 AM

The fluval surface skimmer works pretty well. Once adjusted for flow, it self levels to the surface of the water. Ther little to no turbulence when properly adjusted. You have to clean the float of debris once or twice a week. About once a month, I recommend removing and cleaning the float and insert tube (real easy). It can stick once the scum builds up. It will slurp and lose it's flow control if it gets plugged by debris.

If properly adjusted and maintained, it is very quiet and effective.