Super Surface Skimming!!

[@paulconway2051]

Super interesting video. Not seen anyone explain this so well before, thank you!

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks Paul 👍

[@madsmoron]

Soooo I have the nano version of these pipes for my saltwater tank and was wondering why the skimmer was basically useless and what that bottom bit was for. Safe to say after this very well put explanation I have no more surface scum and my skimmer actually works! Huzzah!

[@andrewborges7768]

Great video, I have not seen anyone else explain this better than you. I wish we had aquarium stores in the USA that were dedicated to nature aquariums like you have in Europe, you all are so lucky to have that. We do have some great stores, but not many that are dedicated to freshwater planted tanks. Any specialty aquarium stores we have are dedicated to saltwater reef tanks.

[@Loogiemistress]

So satisfying seeing that skimmer doing its thing

[@akbar19942k10]

George! I have a Eheim 2217 classic which has a 12/16 outflow and a 16/22 inlet with all the ugly green pipes and fittings which I've been wanting to replace to clear tubing ect...I also have a 13mm glass lily pipe set lying around and your demonstration of the pipe work conversions has saved me from buying a seperate 17mm inflow pipe. All I have to do is buy a clear 16/22 hose and and using your method fit the 13mm inflow pipe on with a inch of the 12/16 hose. Thank you so much!

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Yes, should work fine 👍

[@joesteadman343]

Awesoommmeeee. Really like the unboxing, setup, usage, and the camera angles to film it all. Showing us the surface of the tank from underneath and the light on above the water really showed the effectiveness of the surface skimmer attachment. We need more videos like this for every item that humans create lol.

[@stevehales6371]

Hi George glad you put the skimmer back on tank looks fantastic. Be careful not to break this one.

[@livingmybestlife3186]

Awesome video. Lol love your driving, you signal and everything most people in Canada can’t haha.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

🙏👍

[@theretrogeek2281]

Just installed a surface skimmer and a lily pipe today,very good tutorial...thanks.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Glad to help 👍

[@dorianf1456]

I have a waterbox 4820 with two fluval 407s. I just ordered 2 sets of the fzone glass lily pipes and surface skimmers. I hope it works out well for my system.

[@robertoamezcua7624]

That was a great tip on converting from 12 to 16mm tubing.

[@dorianf1456]

Great video. Are those the same as the Fzone lily pipes? They look identical. Just purchased a pair for them for my fluval 407s. Hopefully the flow rate isnt too much for the intake of the lily pipe intake.

[@cujimmykay53]

Very informative as usual, love your videos George...👍

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks Jim 👍

[@pkoppart]

Always something new to learn in every video. Thank you, George!

[@123Sister100]

I'm new to all this and I have wondered what that castle-looking thing was in other viseos. Now I know. Thank you.

[@StanTheObserver-lo8rx]

George did not show the tiny wee archer that goes with the kit. Next time.

[@SmokinMesa]

Is it recommended to put inlet and outlet next to each other? I currently have one either end of a small 2.5 feet tank.

[@JackiePrime]

Cool trick with the 12 to 16 adaptor

[@AyeeBroTV]

I enjoy theses long videos, thanks George.

[@vijayrupnath1744]

Thanks for sharing! Your scapes are super cool!🥰🥰🥰😇

[@thugII]

Many thanks for this video. I've just received my JARDLI Lili pipe surface skimmer and was wondering how to make it work. You've enlightened me!

[@chrismeredith5605]

I never fail to learn from your channel. Great stuff George.

[@robertfletcher3421]

What I fund most interesting is making a reduction adapter out of 16 mm hose. That has stuck in my head. Thanks, George.

[@madhatterjones4781]

Yeah very handy tip I feel

[@thepenrice1402]

Great video, I dont suppose you know or could measure how much of a gap is needed to fit these please? Ive got limited space between the rear of my tank and the wall!

[@cheeyonglim8320]

Great tutorial on surface skimmer. I can now relate to some of skimmer setup issue I have encountered recently. Thanks for the video George! As always, great stuff!

[@josemontalvo4532]

Nice vid. Enjoyed watching. Love that B Role! Sweet aquarium shop. Great stock of fish and plants. Each tank is a work of art at that shop. I need a surface skimmer too, so this is like a tutorial on the subject. Thank you for sharing!

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks Jose 😊

[@josemontalvo4532]

George Farmer I got the information I needed, so thank you once again!

[@Brad_mcginnis]

Beautiful tank! Thank you for the video! I am going to purchase one but wanted to do some research first.

[@thetube4p]

Hi George, I've got my 16 mm surface skimmer mated to an Eheim Pro 4 350 canister filter. The pump is too strong for the current design even with the lower intake fully opened. The overflow is unstable, gulping air from time to time, and eventually will get sucked underwater completely. So this system as-is isn't safe for my fish. But it makes the water perfect so I want to keep it if I can. One option is to put some sort of mesh over the overflow so fish can't be sucked in, but I really should balance the system too so the overflow isn't sucked down. I'm considering restricting the pumps draw on the surface skimmer with a gate valve on the intake line to the Eheim, or somehow increasing the flow at the lower intake. Maybe a few holes drilled in the acrylic bottom piece at the lower intake to allow more water in would work. I don't really like the idea of putting restrictions on the pump, but maybe it's not such a big deal as I imagine. Or maybe replacing the lower acrylic piece completely with just a plug on the botto with holes drilled through. Any other ideas or thoughts you can share?

[@brunobento4753]

Hi, i am very similar with your problem did you could fix it?

[@matthewstewart1527]

Hi George i notice you have two set of lily pipes on there do you have two filters too

[@joehalbop1928]

George where do you buy inlets that will stretch to 2ft in a large tank..? Thanks man...

[@Allinused]

So you need two waterfilters? I have one Biomaster 600 like you. I would need a Second one for this type of skimmer?

[@dmantunes]

Hi, i bought one of these, but air bubbles are being sucked into the filter and creating air inside, and noise. Did you had this problem? And how to fix it. Thanks

[@nickwee2673]

Hi George ! May I know what kind of lights are you using? They're so bright !! Thanks !!

[@madhatterjones4781]

Awesome video George. Do you get any leaks with the 12mm hose adaption??

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

No 😃

[@frankschindler7073]

Your videos match tanks .... Top Notch ! Always look forward to them. 👍🇨🇦😀

[@daneriksson2608]

Hi George! I really appreciate your videos and you as a person. I am going to buy an aquascaper, but as an old time aquarist, I fail to understand why people use open aquariums? Doesnt it create too much humidity? And furthermore, are there any advantages with not covering it with thin glass - except for the light to be better for plants?

[@Orchids.and.Endlers]

such a beautiful and elegant setup !!

[@kamvaldc206]

Hello, what Kindle of led light do you have in this aquarium, and where do you purchased?

[@joshuahoward8532]

Hi there. I have a similar setup on a reef tank, same 850 canister filter and lily pipe set but I get constant micro bubbles. Tried reseating everything and lubricating o rings, etc. Let me know if you’ve had to deal with this also. Thx!

[@eltan9303]

thanks for the tips on surface skimmer!

[@Arowana0071]

Very nice setup first time seen this and how do u get clear water like that?

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Good filter and regular maintenance

[@SA-hk8xj]

Love the vids. Many years ago I tried a skimmer but did not like the “slurping” sound from the top. I tried adjusting the suction, but it still was making that annoying sound, so I returned it. My question is that was a while ago. Do the newer versions still do that sound??

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

I think the sound is more to do with the suction rate that’s determined by the power of the filter. You could try turning the flow rate down slightly

[@SA-hk8xj]

George Farmer I’ll give it a try one day again. Thanks again;)

[@johnmanrow2667]

Awesome video. Those fish remind me of Medaka.

[@mr-mrsknow-it-all2998]

It's so big it reminds me of a bong. I've seen little square cheap ones that do the same job only more out of my face.

[@Cracoos]

Hey, nice video. I have the same product but it doesn't worki! I wonder, maybe my filter is not powerful enough to suck properly from the surface?

[@shesellsfish]

It was amazing seeing how fast it cleared the surface. These don't seem to be very popular in the states. I wonder why.

[@thewatcher9778]

from what i can see its cause people here in the states use inline co2 and by doing that it doesnt cause the seltzer water that leads to the surface scub

[@thewatcher9778]

also finding the perfect balance of co2 in the water is all part of the hobby

[@SuperHooverdam]

I lived in a place where I had no surface scum. I moved a 2 miles away and now I have surface scum. I don't like it and will have to get a skimmer.

[@anoxicfiltrationplenums]

One reason is because they’re unreliable. Lee’ makes them and they make too much noise if a snail gets caught in them and then the pump will start sucking in air.

[@BoxofDemons]

Why do we need a skimmer? just about to set up a roma 240 tank with co2 and airstone. Do I need a skimmer as well? and what size? benefit?

[@-exeCy-]

Hey George, i just bought the aquascaper set but it looks like is not skimming at all. The skimmer is always on top of the water. From bottom i closed it all over but still the same! any suggestions ? My canister filter is Fluval 106 and my tank is around 100L. Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@theamjadjamousable]

is it shrimp safe ? and what surface plants can be used with it , i think it sucks duck weed easily .

[@reldridgejr1969]

George, always love your videos and the time you put in to everything. But, when you show a tank or a species of fish or shrimp can you pause just a few seconds more for the camera to focus and so that we can get our bearings on what we’re looking at? Keep up the great work. Great stuff you are doing here!

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks so much. Point taken on livestock filming. 👍

[@polanskiman]

My experience with that sort of skimmer is that it's fine as long as you don't have small shrimps in the tank. Even if you add a stainless steel mesh to the bottom part of the skimmer, shrimps can also get sucked from the skimmer top part. I found a few shrimps stuck in my pre-filter some time ago. I have since then added a small fabric mesh to the top dented floating skimming part. I am glad I had a pre-filter else they would be all dead.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Good advice, thanks 🙏

[@LnL1702]

Amazing thank you very helpful and you are so easy to listen to !

[@sandorkarcza7124]

Hello George! I love this skimmer but my shrimp is going to the externalfiler, i would like to use this skimmer but no idea how!?

[@Svartalfarsz]

You just made my day! Was going for a Oase Filter too, but did not want the huge 17mm in- and outlets. Am I right you just use 12/16 mm stock Standard Hose as an adaptor?

[@PavolKulanda]

Daisy's ricefish. Very nice. They were always breeding in the morning in my tank.

[@cartmanscheesypoofs2]

Are these ran with canister filters? I have a hob filter at the moment but am wanting to surface skim my scape

[@AQGYM]

many thanks from here in Canada, as you say a great bit of kit, the speed of the clean up was impressive but why did you not get a 16/22 mm set if that is the size tubing you have.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks. Out of stock on the 16mm set

[@randyshart5160]

Hi George, just wondering if this glass pipework set would be suitable for a Juwel Rio tank? What's the maximum distance from the top of the tank to the top of the water that this is suitable for? I can't find measurements anywhere to check it. Love watching your videos, planning a full rescape soon using your tips and ideas. Cheers.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

I think it wouldn’t fit a Juwel unless you removed the hood (I have done this myself but it’s at your own risk due to the brace strengthening).

[@BharatMataKiJaiii]

I got a similar one of a different brand. No matter what I do, it just won’t start skimming. I adjusted the little part at the bottom up it just won’t work. Filter is running fine. Any idea what I might be doing wrong?

[@ursu7754]

Hi George can I use this pipes for coverd fish tank go no work??? in the back of the tank it’s not the same water flow but I cannot find the bending Lille pipe for the flow to go long way of the tank pls let me know what to do all the best

[@BboyCorrosive]

finally got one of these skimmers with a new lily pipe set after I accidentally broke a hole through my lily pipe by pulling a pipe cleaner out too quick, figured that thing on the bottom was for the flow but came back here to confirm. It kind of looked like you set the surface skimmer to 100% for the initial clear, presumably you turned it back to 50% or something after?

[@gsmhnc12]

Hi George, Old post you so may not see this but.... I see in the video that occasionally small bubbles are sucked into the filter. I'm running a Biomaster 600 also with 16mm pipes and even with the bottom intake fully open it still wants to pull air through the surface skimmer. I reduced the flow to the filter but it still sucks in small bubbles and I hate to reduce it more. Is this normal for this style of pipes? The biomaster will "belch" when enough air has been taken in but it find that really annoying. Excited to see your book! Amazon sent me a note yesterday about it.

[@shadowknightt.5425]

Why do you have no CO2 test in your Aquarium. What is the Right CO2 Level in a planted Aquarium? Nice Video.

[@JR537]

The problem I got is algae growing and preventing skimmer to move up and down and gets stuck in same height. And also some leaves blocked the skimmer. So If you have any other options, let me know.

[@YazidHLH]

that clear is so satisfying

[@srinivasanberi]

Hi George, Hope you are doing great!! I have a quick question. Will this also suck the dirt under water or just only the surface? Basically I am looking for dual one which does both the job by just connecting it to one canister filter.

[@srinivasanberi]

I want the water to be calm. Am not a great fan of the skimmer which blows air innthe water which in turn spoils my plants.

[@basiljessyvarghese688]

Hi George..may I know ,do we turn on surface skimmer while pressurized co2 is injecting?

[@see4web]

Hi George can you please advice me on this. I stay in Delhi, India. The summer temperature at peak goes 40 to 44 degree celcius and winters at 5 to 8 degree celius. I currently have 30 gallon gold fish tank, but i want a 25 gallon planted tank now. So which fishes and plants can i keep at these temperature. And yes winter is not a problem because of heaters but i am worried about summer. i can use cooling fan in the day and Air condition whole night. Should i keep neon tetras? also advice me on types of plants and other fishes. thanks in advance.

[@anthonykontos7931]

What kind and size tank is this? What kind of lighting also?

[@randy1817]

Hi George, I have a hang on back filter on my 150 ltr planted tank. I also use 2- 600 ltr power heads for circulation. I want to try a surface skimmer but I don't know if that will decrease the water flow if I use the skimmer in place of one of the power heads. Do you think the Ehime 350 would do the trick??

[@gr0undrush]

Randy it shouldn't have much affect on circulation, as the outlet will still be blowing the same amount out, it's just that the inlet is now pulling water from two sources.

[@ashurgeorge4604]

That’s a neat bit of kit ! I’ll look into one for myself

[@Davegar5]

with this set up can you still have floating plants?

[@sashadjordjevic9870]

Hello! Great videos, what temperature do you keep your heater? Thanks!

[@COOPERSCICHILDS]

That tank is amazing

[@tonybatten24]

What fish are they? There really nice and I'm on the look out for new fish in my tank...

[@johnsonboy62]

The skimmer must be always in rotating direction only it is functioning well?

[@DujeKatic]

Hi George. Why do you prefere this type of skimmer than something like Eheim Skim350¿

[@krzysztofmachaa7711]

A useful tool. Very aesthetic.

[@Alniemi]

That was a high quality plonk when you dropped the surface skimmer in the water. that HAD to be added after, haha! Was it?!?!

[@nejomarcgarde6088]

Should the floating part of the skimmer rotate?

[@richard281150]

George, I'm curious as to why the inlet and the outlet are next to each other as I'm used to having them (standard fittings, not lily pipes) at opposite ends of the tank?

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Hi Richard. Having them next to each other promotes better all-round circulation, assuming your flow rate is sufficient. 👍

[@coreycooper2356]

Hi George, Just wondering why you opted for the 12mm set instead of the 16mm the Aquascaper 600. I have an aquarium the same dimensions and am confused whether I should get 12 or 16mm lily pipes for my Fluval 406 filter. Thanks =D

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Hi Corey, I think the 16mm were out of stock. They are also more discreet 👍

[@karennation3580]

Balloon mollys! I love them! I am starting a planted aquarium, can they be kept with other fish? I thinkI read they like brakish water so could only be kept with brakish water fish. I love them and dalmation mollys, i red dalmation could go either way, maybe I will do just ballon and dalmation, but I dont want baby fish and I dont want o see them eaten either so that could be a problem.

[@stevenong891]

@george, is it necessary for surface skimmer to spin while draining the surface?

[@One2punch012]

Cool car what type of Honda is that?

[@polanskiman]

Curious as to why you are using a 12mm inlet/outlet and not a 16mm considering your hose seems to be a 17/22mm? Maybe I missed something.

[@polanskiman]

Scrap that. I see you answered that very same question to someone 8 months ago :D

[@theretrogeek2281]

I always wanted to see how it works,now I know thanks...👌🏻

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

You’re welcome 😊

[@minhdh2085]

I have the same intake/skimmer attached to a fluval fx4. The filter is too strong and pulling down the skimmer even when I fully add air under the skimmer with a pipet.

[@jonzstergaming1952]

That glassware set looks quality. I was wondering why you use the 12mm version.. it's because the 17mm out of stock. Thought I was missing a trick for a moment :)

[@madhatterjones4781]

Could also be the 12mm set is smaller takes up less real estate in the tank

[@alanreymercado2665]

any reccomendation for anyrhing smaller than that? for 7gal tank. thanks.

[@UrXboyfriend]

Can u tell me what did u twist at the bottom of the skimmer??

[@z3ro7o]

What a great video. I just bought one today .... 🙌🙌🙌

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

👍😊

[@anthonypope8429]

hi George what size of skimmer will I need I am going to be using a fluval 206 on my fluval fresh 60 cheers happy fish keeping

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

16mm but you may need to change the ridged flex hose to a regular type

[@varanidguy]

When setting up glassware like this, is it best to have them inlet and output next to each other? I ask because my tank has a glass lid and the inlet and output wouldn't really be able to be side-by-side. Currently the tank is outfitted with a spraybar but these glass fittings are so beautiful. (I live in a desert so evaporation would be too much without the glass top)

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

I prefer it together but you can experiment to get best results 👍

[@varanidguy]

George Farmer Thank you George!

[@wunderpit]

Very cool! I notice no heater. How are you heating the tank?

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

It’s built into the filter

[@TheTinkili]

The fish are some sort of rice fish, right? Neon rice fish? I saw them in my local shop as well, beautiful fish!

[@Brantov]

Very nice video.

[@aengusfoley6694]

Hi George, Do you only need a skimmer if injecting co2? Thanks Aengus . Ps clever idea using the hose adaptor.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

A skimmer will help any aquarium. It promotes oxygen exchange, which is always a good thing.

[@ludwigiapilosa508]

I'll add that it provides more oxygen to the filter bacteria, allowing them to do a better job. Lots easier to keep ahead of bba with a skimmer. For that and many other reasons, I agree with George that it should be standard equipment.

[@dorianf1456]

What filter are you using with those pipes?

[@BaNuj]

In Poland we have one decent company making stainless steel skimmers, inlet and outlets. There are gorgeous, quality practically like ADA and cheap [50 GBP per set]. I never found any better steel product in europe even that the popular aquatic companies have some similar inlets/outlets. The name is Aquastalka, the guy has his facebook page site when you can order. Sadly they can't be used in saltwater aquariums as I know. PS:Ofcourse poor Poles don't appreciate this product and preffer shi^^tty DIY plastic, ugly sets made by themselves in garage, but you know :P I hope this guy get some recognition for his quality work.

[@kretosyt]

Fajnie że reklamujesz polską firmę, szkoda, że dodałeś ten PS - DIY to nie jest tylko polska specyfika i czasem niektórzy wolą sami podłubać mimo, że ich stać...

[@BaNuj]

Kretosyt - doskonale to rozumiem, sam czasami coś zaimprowizuję czy podłubię. Problem jest tylko taki że spora część Polaków posiada pewną paskudną cechę - "ja wiem najlepiej", "panie a czemu tak drogo? za połowę ceny biorę dzisiaj" i to podsycone niezwykłą pychą, przerośniętym ego i pewnością siebie i paskudnego dzieła. I nie było by w tym nic złego gdyby nie ta bezszczelność i męczące zachowanie wobec sprzedawców, innych osób prywatnych czy ludzi którzy zarabiają na chleb starając się dać innym trochę szczęścia. To jest zachowanie nieuczciwe, skąpe, pazerne, w dłuższym terminie szkodliwe. A że ja nie znoszę tych cech które wymieniłem wyżej, to bezpośrednio nazywam takich ludzi "biedakami" czy "chamami". Skróciłem tę myśl trochę w tym angielskim komentarzu ale myślę, że rozsądny człowiek sam się obroni, a mądry odbiorca nie będzie piętnował i stygmatyzował jakiejś grupy tylko dlatego że ktoś inny ma do konkretnej jej części jakieś uprzedzenia. :) Pozdrawiam.

[@andrewborges7768]

You guys in Europe are so lucky to have these specialty stores dedicated to Nature Aquariums. I am from US and we have practically zero stores that are dedicate to Nature Aquariums. All we have is just normal aquarium stores and if the store is a specialty store it's probably dedicated to saltwater reef aquariums. I have about 6 aquarium stores that are close to me (ranging from 10 to 30 minute drive) and I WISH so bad, that I could walk in to one of these and get the type of product you are talking about.

[@demaioc64]

Ciao , acquari con giardini subacquei belli , ma che tipo di plafoniere vengono usate nel filmato ? Ciao grazie

[@Beregar79]

I don't have much problem with surface film in my 240-liter tanks since they have Juwel's internal filter which pulls the water in from top so it pretty much handles "skimming" for those tanks. I also have Tunze Comline Streamfilter 3163 in one of my tanks which does pretty much the same. It's "meant" for saltwater but I like stream pumps in freshwater as well. They create a nice turbulent and wide stream that's not too difficult for fishes to handle while still giving exceptional circulatio. I mean 1800 liters/hour circulation for a 60-liter tank sounds like a lot water movement - and it is - but because it's a stream it doesn't give a heavy punch to fish. Even my rams have no trouble handling it. By the way I found a few sellers of oase biomasters here. I'm sort of on the fence if I should get one since they are a tad expensive and it might be difficult to get spare parts.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

The Tunze pumps sounds awesome !