Help, what is this and make it stop

[Jeremy257]

So over the past several days a residue has established itself on the water surface of my tank. It has small bubbles and looks like a semi clear oil spill. What could it be and how do I cure it?

 

[BrandonFlorida]

do you have a skimmer? any surface agitation from powerheads??

 

[Jeremy257]

do you have a skimmer? any surface agitation from powerheads??

The tank is an Aqua Medic Cubicus (37G). It has a separate filtration compartment sectioned off by glass behind the display. There is an overflow that puts water into the back compartment which contains a skimmer. The return pump's outlet is in the display which is running at 1200 gph and aimed at the surface to agitate it. There are also two powerheads in the display which agitate the surface some as well. I've never had this issue before and the tank has been up and running for over 2 years.

 

[Jeremy257]

I need help. Bump

 

[Jah2707]

Seems like some kind of algae bloom. The easiest way to get scum off the top of the water is use a paper towel. Just lightly place it flat on the top of the water and lift it up. Whatever that is will attach to the paper. many times just removing it a few times will clear it up.

Also try taking a better picture. One without some much blue in the lighting. Just my .02

 

[Jeremy257]

Seems like some kind of algae bloom. The easiest way to get scum off the top of the water is use a paper towel. Just lightly place it flat on the top of the water and lift it up. Whatever that is will attach to the paper. many times just removing it a few times will clear it up.

Also try taking a better picture. One without some much blue in the lighting. Just my .02

Thanks, I'll give it a try and try and get some better pics tonight before the daytime lighting turns off.

 

[jmm]

If algae or anything is obstructing the overflow holes and the water level has risen because of this, you will not properly skim the surface.

 

[heathlindner25]

Are you feeding PE mysis by chance?

 

[gallegos]

I had that in my tank as well. You need to get a skimmer or up your water changes

 

[eastlake]

second on the PE mysis, also how much surface agitation are you getting. Could be an "oil slick" from the oils in the PE mysis and if your not feeding that, it could be a surface planktonic algae. If its a surface planktonic try creating more surface agitation and perhaps up the volume or frequency of water changes

 

[Jeremy257]

Thanks everyone. I removed a good bit of the oil slick issue with paper towels last night.

I will look to increase my surface agitation.

I am currently feeding Hikari Mysis, Hikari Blood Worms and Frozen Pygmy angel food.

I broadcast feed AcroPower and Reef Chili 3 times a week.

I slowed my water changes to once every two weeks down from one about 3 or 4 months ago. This is also when I started the AcroPower and the Reef Chili also. Perhaps I'll go back to weekly water changes and just ensure that I feed enough.

 

[Jeremy257]

my skimmer is an aqua medic EVO 500. It pulls a lot of skimmate.