AC30 - modifying filter arm (actually replacing)

[KLKelly]

I set up my 90 gallon.  There is a large amount of particles floating at the surface - well water is the most likely cause.  I purchased a couple of cheap surface skimmers that hook onto my AC filters.  It is working great in the 10gallons!!!!

I have 2 AC110s on my 90 gallon.  I went to hook up my spare AC30 on the tank to use just for the skimmer (no media other than filter floss to catch debris which I would change daily).  The tank lip is too wide for the filter.  The filter hooks on just barely but the arm that goes to the impeller and into the tank broke in half when I was trying to make it fit.

Are there any solutions DIY or purchase that you guys could recommend?  Can I buy a wider filter attachment locally?
(RO machine is too expensive right now).

Thanks!

Karrie

[gonzobluefuzz]

Which part are you referring to??  D? If so I guess you could try cutting it mid-span and use a short length of suitable diameter silicone tubing and securing it with 2 band clamps and a copious amount of RTV silicone. Total cost a buck or two plus the silicone if you don't already have an on hand... let it cure a day or 2 then leak check.  Never tried it, just came to mind.

G

edit

if it's beyond repair here are the part numbers

[attachment deleted by admin]

[KLKelly]

Thanks!  Thats the piece I was talking about.

Since I busted it pretty bad I need a replacement for it but it would be easy enough to do that way

[Toss]

2 PVC elbows, plastic hose and silicon if it doesn't fit nicely. You might not be able to use the lid. good luck

[darkdep]

I just used a chisel to carve away some of the tank trim. 

[KLKelly]

I couldnt find a replacement part and trying to find tubing to join the two pieces together at HD was beyond frustrating.
I ended up buying an AC50 and chiseling away a tiny piece to put the pipe in.  The AC50 was too powerful and just blew the particles away from the skimmer.  I hooked up the new arm to the AC30 and it worked better but nothing like on the 10Gallon with the skimmer set up.

Looks like I wasted $30.00.  So I'm looking for other solutions. 

There is a fair amount of debris stuck at the surface and through the tank water.  Since most of it sticks at the surface or floats back to the surface after the filter outflow mixes it up - the filters are doing crap all cleaning the water of the particles.

I just saw a power head that comes with a pre-filter attachment that you can put in a micron pad.  Will this help at all or another waste of money?  What else could I do.  When I scoop the surface clean manually - within ten minutes its covered again.  I can't imagine that breathing this stuff could be good for the fish.

Thanks.

Karrie

[BigDaddy]

Karrie... send me a PM and I'll let you borrow my HOT magnum with the micron cartridge.

See if it clears things up for you... and then if you like it you can go pick one up on your own.