Film on surface of water?

[WMD]

Quick question, I've searched the forums but to no avail. I have a film on the surface of my water and if I try to scoop it out with a net it clumps and goes all over the tank. What could this be?

Thanks,
Alex

 

[Deanos]

It could be proteins. Could you describe your tank setup in detail?

 

[scarf_ace1981]

protein build up

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

Depends on what Eq you have.

Surface skimmwer are basically overflow box for which the surface water will drop into then drain to somewhere.

Somepower filter has an attachment for that and if you overflow box for plumping, then just adjust to the proper level and flow, then it should be taken care of if you have a protein skimmer. In choosing any overflow box, make sure they have teeth.

Just be careful-powerhead, overflowbox, and water intake are weapons used in Chainsaw Aquaria

 

[Deanos]

Wingo, I'm not sure which question you're answering, but your response is more confusing than "Rainbow rabbits always shave their bald highlighters with calendars."

Could you rephrase?

 

[alrha]

you can dip a cup below the surface and let it overflow into the cup.
this can help remove it.

 

[jenniebutterfly]

lay a paper towel on the surface, it will pick it up. since i don't have a sump i use a small hang on filter with a small pad to keep the top clear. nce a week i change the sponge. since i started this i have had no film on the water

 

[meschaefer]

"Rainbow rabbits always shave their bald highlighters with calendars."

Better to use a calendar than to try shaving the bald highlighters with a spatula, you end up with cookie dough all over the place and the rabbits go bonkers. :bunnies:

 

[Tonyscoots84]

OffIcIaLlY confused :sad2:.....

before anyone give advice what is ur equipment, tank, specs... then we could tell ya how to overcome this...

i dunno if any of us no what ur running on ur tank equipment list and pics would be nice.... then we can go from there..

 

[reefman]

your surface film is there because you're lacking 1 or more of the items below:
-internal or external overflow
-weak return pump
-good skimmer
-surface water movement
this can be remedy with a diy surface skimmer. how and what depends on your current setup.
another quick fix would be to breakup the surface water line by aiming a powerhead to the top(w/o splashing out water but enough to create some bubbles)

 

[WMD]

Hi Guys,

I have a 75 gal reef setup. 4in sandbed (120lbs live sand), 110lbs live rock, Tidepool II filter system, Coralife Superskimer 125 in the sump, Coralife compact flourecent lights (2 65watt actintic, 2 65watt full spectrum), Powerclear 70 powerhead w/filter. Does this help in describing my problem.

Thanks,
Alex

 

[simike]

ms butterfly, the papertowel trick is interesting

 

[WMD]

ms butterfly, the papertowel trick is interesting

I tried the paper towel, all it did was clot the film then it was suspened floating around in the tank.

 

[jenniebutterfly]

hmmm you must have some thick film in there it worked when i tried it when i first started. but basically i did this before doing surface agitation so that all the crap floating did not get mixed into the water.