Pond Surface Skimmer

[Chris348]

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good surface skimmer please?

Chris

 

[addy1]

Built in or add on? I used a pool skimmer, hayward wide weir, works great.

 

[Chris348]

Has to be an add on. I have seen the Oase style that float and heard different views. Also the hang on type ?

 

[Mmathis]

I have the Oase floating skimmer, Swim Skim. There are 2 sizes, but the larger size isn't available to me -- I think only in Europe or the UK, which is good for you.

For not having a built-in skimmer, this one is a good alternative. It's not perfect, but it does a good job of getting the smaller surface stuff. And a plus is that it also aerates. The only problem I've had with this skimmer is that it will occas. "pop up." But it's never burned out the motor, and that's after several hours. Since it's smaller than a regular skimmer, I do have to empty the basket and clean the sponge filter pretty often, depending on the season.

Before this one, I had another version -- a Jaebco [or something]. It's very similar to the Oase, but where the Oase only pulls in on one side, this other one pulls in 360 degrees. I didn't like it. If the Oase "pops up" once a week, the Jaebco "popped up" almost daily. You have to figure out a way to weight it.

I see there's another brand that's [again] not available here. The name starts with a "V" [Vella, or something like that]. Wish I could give that one a try......

 

[Theman772]

Lilly pad skimmer by Aladdin

 

[Chris348]

Thanks guys, we opted for the Jabou version as they were going cheap. Suffice to say, it pops up regularly lol... Be we will persevere for now.

 

[Mmathis]

Thanks guys, we opted for the Jabou version as they were going cheap. Suffice to say, it pops up regularly lol... Be we will persevere for now.

When I was researching mine, I read a lot of reviews where people said they put rocks inside [the basket?] to weight it very slightly, which seemed to help with the pop-ups. Worth a try.

 

[Chris348]

That idea has probably cured the problem Mmathis. I have placed a small stone inside the basket and not had any "pop ups" since. :}

 

[Mmathis]

That idea has probably cured the problem Mmathis. I have placed a small stone inside the basket and not had any "pop ups" since. :}

Good to know! Keep me posted -- I may decide to go back to that skimmer one day.