I have a weird problem, plz help.

[Mik3]

Hi, I have this really weird problem with my tank. I keep getting this oily type residue floating on top of the water, its been doing this for about 2 months now. I've tryed skimming it all off and replacing %50 water, but its back the next day :?

I made this little device with a pop bottle that slowly skims the water off the top, that works and the water thats left in the device has all the scum floating on top However the next day its back again. Any help would be greatfull.

The tank is 36' x 15' x 12 with external filter with carbon and bio medium and a small internal protein skimmer. I cange %25 water ever 2 weeks.

Pics:

Kind regards

 

[tazdevil]

How many gallons is the tank and what type of skimmer are you using?

Check your pumps, some have issues with oil slicks and failures. You also mentioned that your running carbon, how often do you chenge it?

 

[nice1bruva]

do you smoke in the house?
have you got good ventilation in the room the reef is in?
:roll:

 

[Mik3]

do you smoke in the house?

Yes

The ventilation is good, my window is open all the time. I never would have thought that smoking could cause this, but from now on I will not smoke in the same room to make sure.

 

[Mik3]

The tank is 28.03 gallons, I change carbon ever 2 weeks, the protein skimmer is just a small reverse flow air driven type.

I've had this tank with these 2 fish for 10 years now and never had this problem before.

 

[tazdevil]

Check those pumps then. Also ensure that your source water for your changes is coming from a good source (R.O./DI that has its resins changed routinely).

 

[nice1bruva]

ventilation?
i used to get a simular problem.
i now use a fan at the back of the tank that blows accross the halides and the water surface.
no smoke gets near my water anymore and the oil has gone.
may be related....maybe not. worth a try though!

 

[nice1bruva]

i would also consider move water surface movement and a skimmer upgrade.

 

[Mik3]

I will check my pumps now and set up a fan to blow across the water, thanks for your help guys, I hope it works

Hmm I think this problem started shortly after I replaced the diaphragms in my air pump :? I will check that and my air lines also.

 

[nice1bruva]

I will check my pumps now and set up a fan to blow across the water, thanks for your help guys, I hope it works

Hmm I think this problem started shortly after I replaced the diaphragms in my air pump :? I will check that and my air lines also.

double check no oil or grease is finding it's way from the pump.
if in doubt add a polyfilter asap.
oil in a marine tank could be catastrophic,even is small amounts.

 

[Anonymous]

Doing water change is not going to help you much, since the issue is at the top 1/8" of the water. I would recommand an overflow box, less feeding, or better protein skimmer.

 

[Unarce]

Mik3 - I was wondering if your water surface is always that still. Did you turn off your water circulation for the picture?

 

[Anonymous]

do you smoke in the house?

Yes

The ventilation is good, my window is open all the time. I never would have thought that smoking could cause this, but from now on I will not smoke in the same room to make sure.

Not for anything but, if the smoke is doing this to your tank, and you're willing to move to another room to smoke, imagine what that's doing to your lungs! 8O

~wings~

 

[nice1bruva]

do you smoke in the house?

Yes

The ventilation is good, my window is open all the time. I never would have thought that smoking could cause this, but from now on I will not smoke in the same room to make sure.

Not for anything but, if the smoke is doing this to your tank, and you're willing to move to another room to smoke, imagine what that's doing to your lungs! 8O

~wings~

don't you start!!
:lol:
i have the wife on patches giving up right now!!
i came on here to get away from it!!
:lol: :lol:

 

[Anonymous]

Sorry

:wink:
~wings~

 

[nice1bruva]

no drama...only kidding!!