Film surface normal or not?

[MRA3]

Hello Everyone! I have a 75 gal approx 30 days old- LV Rock, live sand; added 1 azure damsel and 1 blue green chromis 8 days ago. Look up toward the surface
of tank I noticed a flim of sorts. Doesn't cover entire surface- I'd like to understand if a) this is normal and 2) what and where it's coming from.
Thank you for your responses in advance.
Best to you all.

 

[travis9791]

my tank did this in the beginning. I'm not sure what it is but it goes away.

 

[jstack]

my mistake if you have the pumps off but I would say you need more surface agitation

 

[mmittlesteadt]

Two things are at work here...surface agitation and surface skimming. The first will be rectified by pointing either your return outlet towards the surface, the other will be the best method of removing a film on the surface and that is having the surface of the water skimmed off over your overflow if it set up properly.

Either way, that film is preventing the necessary gas exchange from taking place efficient enough. The surface should look crystal clear if your equipment is setup properly.

 

[Laredotx1987]

yeah i would say you may need more surface agitation

 

[Sk8r]

^ this. It helps oxygen exchange.

Your film is probably a bacterial sheet. Won't hurt anything, but it will restrict oxygen exchange. Aim a powerhead at the surface.

 

[mluntz]

I'm glad someone is having this discussion. I pent a ton of $$$ on 2 mp10's and I don't think they move enough water on the surface, plus the fact that you can't aim them up towards the surface.

 

[davehead86]

I'm glad someone is having this discussion. I pent a ton of $$$ on 2 mp10's and I don't think they move enough water on the surface, plus the fact that you can't aim them up towards the surface.

A skimmer would take care of that film. If you dont have one / dont want one then just get a cheap powerhead (Hydor) and point it at the surface.

 

[mluntz]

A skimmer would take care of that film. If you dont have one / dont want one then just get a cheap powerhead (Hydor) and point it at the surface.

I already have a skimmer. I don't understand why I should have to spend a ton of $$ on mp-10's and have to use another powerhead to move water at the surface

 

[ryeguyy84]

if the above of aiming your return at the top of the water line does not work than you can move the MP-10's up closer to the surface just below when they suck in air for more surface agitation.

 

[djbon]

Point one of your wavemaker (if any) upwards and towards your overflow, it will clear up by itself. I occasionally put my hand inside my tank that will pollute the water, causing a fine film of oil from our skin floating on the surface.

 

[newbie2014]

if the above of aiming your return at the top of the water line does not work than you can move the MP-10's up closer to the surface just below when they suck in air for more surface agitation.

+1. Moving those MP10's up will create ripples on the surface.

However, that may leave detritus on the bottom undisturbed.

 

[aznxgqb0yx]

Mp10s are built for water movement in the tank, not for surface agitation, how does your over flow box look like? Any over flow box with the return nozzle pointed up is all you need. Assuming you have that unless you have a hob skimmer