filter or no filter?

[jamesforbus]

My tank is a 40 gallon breeder, the only filtration is a tunze 9005 skimmer in the tank, and two powerheads for movement. The tank has about 30 lbs of live rock, and assorted LPS, mushrooms, zoo's, clown, and a tag. This tank has been running for about three years with little to no problem, although I would like to get rid of the scum that builds up at the water line. I also know that a sump would be best, but the location, and noise issue that comes with that isnt going to happen at this time. I've been thinking about a filter os sorts to try and correct this problem, does anyone have any suggestions?

[Chasman]

jamesforbus

I have a 29 gal that I use one of these Tom Aquatics Aquarium Surface Skimmer
connected to a Fluval 205 canister filter. One item of note is that I only run carbon media (Chemi-pure Elete) through it. No sponges or any other kind of filter media and change it out monthly. I have an HOB refugium w/ skimmer, a couple of power heads, and the canister with the surface skimmer on it. I think it works great. My surface water is crystal clear. Takes a bit of fussing with at first but once dialed in they are hands off. I have one on my 10 gal QT tank also, hooked up to a standard HOB filter and that one works just as well.

That was my solution to the film on the surface water. Tank has been up six months this way with no issues. Obviously the sump is the better way, but I didn't want to go that route either.

Chasman

[jamesforbus]

Chasman,
Thanks for the info. I've seen the surface skimmer before, didnt know of anyone who used it so I didnt if it worked, glad to see that it does. I have a 40 gallon breeder with a tunze 9005 skimmer in the tank, plus a couple of power heads. I did have the tunze suface skimmer filter inside as well but the motor burned up, and it wasnt good enough to replace, thats why maybe a cannister filter. I'll look into your type of setup and see if it will work for me, thanks.
Jim