Film and Flow Issues

[fu_iceman]

Hey all,

I'm having a problem with surface film build up. I could use some help understanding possible fixes. Here is my problem as well as my power head setup.

You can see that the most film buildup appears to be in the return area. That film does not seem to move, but rather sits right at the return. I'm about to do a 20% change, but thought I'd ask. Is that normal, or do I have a flow issue?

Thank you for your help.

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[mcgyvr]

Yes.. basically its totally normal..
Increasing surface agitation can "help" knock it down some..

They also make "surface skimmers" that can be used on "sumpless" (or canister filter only) systems to pull that protein slick down off the surface..

Many skim it off during water changes (pain in the butt basically)..
I've run one of these with good success on other systems..
https://www.amazon.com/KollerCraft-TOM-Aquarium-Surface-Skimmer/dp/B00176MUKY

I had it feeding my HOB skimmer but its really intended for canister filter systems.

If you don't have a canister filter then you can use one of these..
https://www.amazon.com/Eheim-Americ...id=1497449372&sr=1-8&keywords=surface+skimmer

 

[elFloyd]

Try lowering the water in your tank by 1/4" so the water surface layer is falling through the return weir. I've found if the level is too high the surface gunk is held in place (blocked) by the support across the top of the weir.

 

[BeachVacationer]

A small airstone even with very low flow will prevent surface film from forming. You can also remove it with paper towel.

 

[Ztous]

If it's a bio cube it could be a sign your back wall is leaking.

 

[Ron Reefman]

You have a sump, right? You said the build up in in the "return area". I assume you mean near the weir where the water flows into the area that drains into the sump (to most of us the 'return' is where water is 'returning' to the tank from the sump.

More surface agitation will help, and probably more flow between the sump and the tank (unless you have the issue elFloyd mentioned above). Also any aerosols or sprays used in the same room, windex, odor removing sprays, any spray soaps, even the plug-in air fresheners can contribute to the problem. The plug-in air fresheners heat an oil that rises into the air, as it cools it can settle on the water surface.

 

[mcgyvr]

Ron.. Looks like a small "all in one" type tank with a rear chamber/section for a filter/pump and no sump.

 

[keddre]

Try moving your powerhead up so it is closer (maybe an inch under) the surface. Mine was like that, but like every one here has said, more surface movement will fix it


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[brownsps]

It looks like the water level is to high in the tank and the overflow isn't working properly to skim it off. Regardless if its a sump or aio tank, can you lower the water level?

 

[ReeferNoob4ever]

How long has the tank been up and running? Mine did that for a good 10 weeks before it finally resolved itself.

 

[fu_iceman]

Try lowering the water in your tank by 1/4" so the water surface layer is falling through the return weir. I've found if the level is too high the surface gunk is held in place (blocked) by the support across the top of the weir.

Good suggestion. I'll give it a shot.


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[fu_iceman]

How long has the tank been up and running? Mine did that for a good 10 weeks before it finally resolved itself.

I'm two months in. All cleared up after a water change, but agree that lowering the water level may help the issue.

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[elFloyd]

Good suggestion. I'll give it a shot.


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Obviously I meant to say overflow weir...