28g nanocube filter intake/surface scum

[Reefer Dan]

I bought this used aquarium and lately I’ve noticed it has a ton of surface scum. It looks to me like the original intake piece (grate) was removed... picture attached. Despite several thorough attempts to find a replacement part, I’ve had no success.

Additionally I was looking into the intank surface skimmer, but they said if the intake is raised intake it won’t work. (Also uncertain dimensions would work)

Does anyone have suggestion on how to fix this, including any DIY projects?

 

[ichthyogeek]

As you probably know, you can get rid of surface scum by reintegrating it into the water column. You could maybe devise a DIY overflow from something like a plastic cup, so that the water only comes into the back of the tank from the top part.

Is there a way we can get a better look at the intake? Like, from a top down perspective to see if any water is entering the filtering area from the top, or if it's all coming in below the surface? Or from a perspective that's parallel to the intake itself?

 

[Reefer Dan]

I think it’s due to the water level being less impeded going into the sump area. I have super glued some plastic to cover up the holes below the intake. Here is a picture of the top area it dumps into.

 

[Reefer Dan]

I found the old filter insert and have been using a Dremel to try and make a DIY surface skimmer. It isn’t done yet, but I’m hoping this fixes the problem.

 

[Texas Rick]

Looks like a JBJ 28 Gallon nanotank. It’s looks modified. I have a JBJ 28 gallon tank.

 

[Reefer Dan]

Looks like a JBJ 28 Gallon nanotank. It’s looks modified. I have a JBJ 28 gallon tank.

Yup! That’s exactly the tank. I didn’t realize it was modded until after I bought it from someone... now I’m trying to fix it.