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Aquarium Questions

What types of filter media can I use in my Black Hole Skimmer?

We sell a 3-month filter media kit with all the media cut to size, and even provide an extra media bag. In addition to our media kit, almost any cut to size filter media can be used. We have links to some of the media that we have tested on our Aquarium Skimmer page.

My Black Hole Skimmer has become noisy, what can I do?

Dirty filter media is usually the cause for a skimmer becoming noisy. The sponge that ships with it should be rinsed in aquarium water, and the dual density pads should be replaced. Also, if you have but very dense media in the skimmer, then the pump may be working too hard.

A new part has been added since I purchased my skimmer, what can I do?

Contact us and request the part. We will send it to you free of charge.

My skimmer is noisy and releasing bubbles into the aquarium.

This means that the water level in the tank is below where the funnel can position itself. Simply add water to the tank or place the skimmer more below the water level.

How to keep snails from entering the skimmer?

We now provide a GuppyGuard™ Topper that fits onto the GuppyGuard™. This topper will prohibit snails and other small animals from crawling over the GuppyGuard™.

I have a 20-gallon tank, what Max-Jet powerhead should I get?

In most tanks over 10 and less than 100 gallons, a 400 will work well. If you have a tank larger than 55 gallons, then a 600 will also work well.

How to position the skimmer in a tank?

The skimmer should be placed at a depth where the funnel is fully extended and just floating on the surface of the water.

What size pipe is used with the Stand Mount skimmer?

The stand mounted Black Hole Skimmer for aquariums uses a 3/4” sch 40 PVC pipe. It ships with a clear PVC pipe that will allow for installations up to 21.5 inches. For deeper water, a longer pipe will need to be purchased. Also, if a different color pipe, such as black is desired, a standard 3/4" PVC pipe can be purchased.

FAQ

Pond Questions (Top of Page)

What pipe should be used to install the pond skimmer?

The Black Hole Skimmer for ponds uses a 1” sch 40 PVC pipe. This pipe is not included in the package, but PVC pipe can be purchased at any home improvement store. The pipe length should be cut to allow the funnel to fully extend and float on the surface of the pond (When the pond is full). Pond pipe length chart.

What pump should be used with the pond skimmer?

Any of the standard pond pumps with a 1” hose nipple should work. We’ve tested the skimmer with flow rates from 300 to 2,600 GPH. Flow rates above 1,000 GPH seem to work well. It is also good to have a pause switch on the skimmer, so it can be paused when feeding floating food.

What filter media works in the skimmer?

The skimmer has a 4” diameter by 9” deep body where filter media can be used. In this body Matala skimmer pads can be cut to fit, any of the cut to fit filter media, and Poly-Fil floss can also be used. You can also layer media, such as a fine sponge, Poly-Fil, and a medium Matala pad. Always layer the coarser material near the top of the body.  A 4” filter sock can also be used. These socks come in a variety of materials that range from super fine to very coarse. We prefer the nylon socks, as they are easier to clean.

How do you clean the pond skimmer?

When installing the skimmer, make sure all the fittings are tight and secure, except the connection from the skimmer body to the top of the pipe. This will allow the skimmer to be easily detached from the stand by twisting it counter-clockwise. Ince the skimmer is removed from the pond, simply remove the funnel holder by twisting it counter-clockwise about a half-inch, and then lifting it off the body. Remove the media. Rinse or wash the washable media, and replace the disposable media.

Does the skimmer need filter media?

No. It comes with a filter screen that will stop large debris from entering the hose to the pump. However, without filter media, the debris sucked into the skimmer will simply be deposited back into the pond. Many people prefer to use an in-line filter or to pump the water into a bog or biological filter. We allow the option of using filter media in the skimmer to simply installation and use. In our pond, we simply use a piece of coarse Matala and Poly-Fil fiber. To clean, we rinse the Matala and replace the Poly-Fil. We clean about once a week.

The flow on my skimmer is greatly reduced, why?

Usually, when the flow slows, the filter media needs to be cleaned and/or replaced. It may also happen if really dense filter media has been added to the skimmer, and the pump is just not strong enough to pull the water through the dense media.

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