I know this video is 6years old but better late then never. For those who run across this and still question what the surface skimmer does here goes. It uses surface tension on the water to “skim” the floating oils proteins and dissolved solids (the rainbow looking stuff and floating debris on your waters surface) off the surface and into the filter area. Where it’s mixed up and removed by various filter methods. Particularly useful if you use a protein skimmer. It also aids in keeping the surface clear so as to allow for maximum light transfer unimpeded by the floating solids on the surface. It should be adjusted so that the water in the filter area is lower then the tanks water level. If they are the same level it won’t work properly. 👍

Thank you so much for your service and dedication! You put in so much hard work to prepare for the video, and I'm so proud of you for wanting to share your knowledge with the community. Six years may have passed, but I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know how much your efforts are appreciated. Your courage and commitment are truly admirable.

Just picked one up for my JBJ 20g Rimless. Love it! Guides the water perfectly through the chambers from the surface skimmer.

Just bought mine!! Thanks for the info

The piece is to allow you to raise the water closer to the top of the tank. A lot of people don't like the fact there is about 1 inch of unused tank. Also if you raise the display level you have to add saltwater, as you are adding more volume to the tank

so fresh and so clean cleannn!!! great video can't wait to get mine

I know this is an old video but the part you talk about lets you adjust the water level in the display area.

You can slide thin foam inside the vent guard to prevent guppies and such from being sucked in

I just finished 3D printing one of these. Gonna give it a try soon.

Thanks for the video!

Nice video. Thanks!!

Looking good

What up MidWestReefer ...I just subscribed to your channel luv the content. I just purchased the Fluval Evo 13.5 and was wondering what are your thoughts on MARINEPURE CERAMIC BIOMEDIA. I was thinking of getting the 1.5 inch squares and placing them on the bottom of Chambers 1 and 2 of the sump area. I will be using the protein skimmer in chamber 1 and I have the intank media basket in chamber 2 planning on using filter floss and gfo....what are your thoughts?

Hey great looking tank. How long do you keep the Phosguard in the bottom rack? Do you put something else instead after you take it out?

Just use a black suction cup from one of your powerheads (or heater etc) to plug up the filter hole :-).

The surface skimmer actually does do something. If it's positioned at the right height, you'll actually see waste at the surface speed up as it enters the slots to the intake chamber. Problem is that you have to keep repositioning it as the water level in the tank drops. If you don't keep an eye on it, you could block the water from entering the chamber all together.

i know this is an old video but what do you put in your middle section of your filteration?

Link ? Where can I get 1 ??

That hatchet man...Last of the Mohicans !

Did you totally remove the foam pad with the carbon and biomedia in it? Or do you leave the original foam filter in with biomedia to house the bacteria?

I did not get the surface skimmer in my package when I bought my Evo, however, it is not needed. I am not even sure why they made it. Also, the Intank boxes are cool, but, you can also run a phosphate/media reactor at about the same price, or a protein skimmer and a Phosphate media reactor.

Thank you for making this! What’s the point in changing out the stock filter holder? I’m getting one of these from someone and want to upgrade it right off the bat! Is it not good enough stock?

hey what is the model of cabinet you have the fluval on? nice tank

where are you located in the Midwest ?

I honestly think the foam and filtration should go first because must tanks are like that. They go through a filter bad or foam before anything else. Then the go through the skimmer and reactor and other stuff like that, then possibly refuguim if not a return. I might get this tank myself and I am very excited.

isnt the media basket meant for chamber two?

What auto top up are you using

This inTank basket was the best investment I have made for my EVO!

can you run the PS2 skimmer in the middle chamber after installing this basket?

Quick question what are you running in your media basket. Still the floss, chemi pur and bio media??

Let me know if you still have this Evo tank, considering getting this for my daughter for her first tank of her own to keep a pair of Ocellaris clownfish.... I believe the piece you were questioning was meant to be used to adjust the level of where the water flows through the wier slots ...

That little face skimming piece does absolutely! Neither does the intank #1 basket. Don't waist your money on it.

Why clog that hole?

can I ask why your intro is Mr clean?

Your running your floss upside down. White should be facing up and blue down.

So much waffling. Good points that could of been in a 6 minute video