Film on Water Surface

[aquatichypnosis]

Set-up a 75 gal 9 days ago. Using a Marineland C530 Canister Filter, Reef Octopus BH 90 HOB Skimmer and Hydor Koralia 1500 powerhead. Ive noticed there is a fine milky film on the surface of the water that you can notice when looking up at surface through the tank. This morning a added a little fish flake for ammonia during cycling and coming home from work I noticed some of those food particles still hadn't sunk. I did a small water change a few days ago to see if it would make a difference skimming water from the surface to replace. The Filter did seem to have a lot of silicone lubricant on the o-rings and connections. Could this be what it is? How long should it take to clear. Is it harmful? Skimmer right now is on the 30 gal until i transport old crew over to the new tank. Would skimming take care of this? Thanks.

 

[OnceTrueFalseBr]

Do you have an overflow box setup?

 

[aquatichypnosis]

No, it's just a canister filter and hang on back protein skimmer

 

[OnceTrueFalseBr]

Yea that will be part of your tank setup. Surface skimming happens when you have some sort pof overflow box or surface skimming setup.

Maybe hookup a hob overflow box to go to your filter?

Im not too knowledgeable on that but could be a solution...

Jus my guess.

 

[DragRacinGramps]

I use an aqua c remora pre filter box that my intake to my skimmer draws it's water from it works real well.

 

[Greaser84]

Sounds like you have a bio film forming on the water surface, its a build up of protein from organic waste. Surface agitation will eliminate that problem. Try pointing the powerhead up towards the surface a bit.

 

[ReeferIndy]

Agree. I use at least 1 extra powerhead at the surface. The agitation keeps the film from forming.

 

[pyithar]

+1 on surface agitation and pointing the powerhead somewhat towards the water surface.

 

[Hojo220]

I had the same issue, Purchased a "Toms surface Skimmer" for about $6. My tank and surface are now Very Clear.

Some slight modifications may be required if the toms pipe doesn't fit into your existing Overflow box, but nothing a bit of caulking cant fix. Be sure to use the right (aquarium approved) caulking. I think it is GE Silicone I (not II)

 

[SGT_York]

Point the powerhead to hit the surface and push the water towards your overflow (skimmer) That helps. Best long term solution is a better overflow but that is a difficult change.

For short term usea papertowel by laying it over the film and picking it up removes all of the oils.