Question regarding powerhead

[bubblepuffer]

Hi, I am planning to install a Powerhead in my 16G tank with Measurement of 20"x12x15". I am planning to install MaxiJet Powerhead in there to clear the surface of water and creating some wave. I already got a Skimmer hanging at the back of the tank. The surface will be 20" by 12" and planning to install the Powerhead on the back corner to blow or create wave across the surface to clear all the garbage on the surface. I am not sure to get the MaxiJet 900 or 600. I tried the spare Maxijet 1200 I got and create storm under the water when the wave hit the tank wall and flow down the tank.. My fish seem to be swim like crazy and Coral just wave like wind storm.. Should I get the MaxiJet 900 or 600 that strong enought to blow across the whole surface without creating storm inside the tank

 

[Anonymous]

Umm... - If it were ME... - I'd just manually skim the surface with a cup and then do a good sized water change.

Just push the cup down into the water bottom end first and then tilt it just a bit to let only the top part of the water flow down and in. Be patient and next you know you will have pulled most of the surface proteins off.

I'd also try to rig up something that does some surface skimming too (like an overflow.) Your skimmer is definitely missing out on a lot of work if you're not getting the surface water turned over and a powerhead agitating the surface might help a little but its not nearly as effective.

 

[bubblepuffer]

Well I do have a surface skimmer box for the AquaC remora.. I decided not to install it because it occupine such a huge space inside the tank..

 

[fyrefysh]

You can also use a paper towel to pull the surface scum up.

 

[MartinE]

I have a 15gal with a powerhead pointing to the suface and it just pushes the surface scum to another side of the tank. The best way is the skimmer box (which I also did not install for the same reason you did) and dipping the scum out with a cup, or paper towels. I did leave the powerhead in mine to give a little more surface agitation though.