Freshwater Surface Scum

[pjf]

I notice that a freshwater fish tank rapidly forms surface scum. It resembles a milky white "oil slick." I have a power filter with a surface skimmer (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3579+16729&pcatid=16729) that does an excellent job of removing the oil slick and making sure that it does not reappear.

Recently, I noticed a beautiful freshwater fish tank with pristine water. It does not have a surface skimmer but does have a power filter that agitates the surface.

Does surface agitation alone prevent the oil slick from forming? If so, I'd like to reduce tank clutter by getting rid of my power filter & surface skimmer. A canister filter whose return agitates the surface might just do fine. Comments?

 

[greenmonkey51]

Yep, surface agitation with either air or a powerhead will break up the slick.

 

[ReefingMadness]

I think that I would keep the surface skimmer and power filter. As greenmonkey51 said, "Yep, surface agitation with either air or a powerhead will break up the slick.". It is only going to break that slick up. The stuff that makes the slick will still be there. With the surface skimmer and power filter you have something that will filter that stuff.