Fluval Surface Skimmer Review + How to Get Unstuck

[@interiorecology]

Important clarification, when I say I used oil to try and loosen it I am referring to canola oil. I do not recommend using any synthetic lubricators in this context.

[@johnb7566]

Thanks man. This by far the best rundown of this item. Appreciated

[@richardlalonde3272]

Great video. Does the bottom intake adjust at all ie. Make it longer or can I use the original strainer? Looking at this for a 65 gallon (24 inches high) and would like to be able to get close to the substrate

[@interiorecology]

I don't remember it having any adjustability for the length. You could add a powerhead to keep detritus in suspension.

[@detocquevi11e]

Wellll, I got mine stuck, and the hot water method didn't help me. Maybe it was the oil and hot water combo that worked for you, or mine was just on tighter. I had to dremel the side of the housing to relieve the tightness around the threads, so that it would loosen. Good video nonetheless. (I also lubed the threads lightly before reassembly with some nontoxic silicone grease)

[@interiorecology]

Thanks for sharing your experience! Yours might have been on tighter. The other thing I can think of is my hot water at that apartment was like scalding hot, so average house hot water might not be as effective.

[@JoeBurner1720]

Will this work with a fluval 407

[@interiorecology]

My understanding is that Fluval uses the same tubing for all standard canisters, so I think it should work with all those canisters. Not sure about their high flow FX ones because I've never had one.