Buildup on surface in return side of sump

[Bbarton908]

This morning I noticed a buildup of something on the very top of my water in the return side of my sump. Almost looks like oil or like my skimmer isn't doing its job. My skimmer is skimming great. Just don't know what this film is or how to prevent it or get rid of it. Read where someone suggested stirring it up but I don't want to blow it back into my tank.

 

[MPDBullitt]

Rinsing your food?

 

[Bbarton908]

Yea I rinse everything really well

 

[SaltH2OLover]

I have a small powerhead in mine that keeps the top of water moving so nothing can settle on it. Mine was like that too til I put that in there. Didn't seem to hurt anything and didn't notice anything really going back into tank.

 

[neuroslicer]

Any water surface that doesn't have adequate circulation will show an accumulation of proteins and lipids that tend to float to the surface and aggregate. You just need to keep the water surfaces moving (pumps and flow heads, etc) and the wastes will stay in solution until they can be broken down by bacteria or until removed by the protein skimmer.