Oily film on top of water???

[Hypertek99]

I have an oily film on the top of my water. Is this normal or do i have to get rid of it??? How do i get rid of it???

 

[EdKruzel]

That build up occurs on tanks without an overflow, to rid yourself of it, simply conduct a water change using a pitcher or large glass to draw in water from the surface.

Keeping the surface clean and agitated will increase the gas exchange and improve the tank's health.

 

[Hypertek99]

So water change is the only way to get rid of it?? I have a powerhead that blows across the top and the top is moving around.

 

[Kermit]

this is a good one http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/13892/cid/3869 . Used it for years on nanos. Hope this helps. PS: can't vouch for the vendor though!

 

[kathainbowen]

..... a clean ziplock bag.

I know, I know, it sounds silly, but placing a clean ziplock bag on the water, just draping it over the surface and allow the water tension to hold it afloat, can really work. The oily film will actually stick to the side of the bag.

 

[Hypertek99]

I'll give the zip lock bag a try. How long do i leave the bag on the water???

 

[gregisthegreate]

I drop a paper towel on the top and pull it out as soon as its wet.

 

[Hypertek99]

I'll try both tonight and see which one does better.

 

[skunkmere]

ive done the paper towel trick and it works for me. but since then i made my own overflow and used aquamed to mount it it works great.

 

[flaco626nj]

ok so what kind of filter do you have or is it an all in one system all you really need is a surface skimmer if you have a hob filter like an aqua clear they sell them and for pretty cheap i think at lsf they are like 16 but if you buy it on line you can probably get it for 10 well good luck to you

 

[Kermit]

All of the methods described will work, but you will have to keep doing it and it WILL become a pain in the butt. Skimming the surface is the only way to go. The one that I have going on my nano "above" is cheap and can be hooked up to a power head or a hob filter and keeps the surface sparkling with no effort.

 

[Tex007]

agreed with Kermit -

surface skimming is the best solution. surface aggitation via powerhead is another good way to break up dissolved organics on the surface. water changes will help also.

important to find the root cause, which is nutrients. feed less, clean more.

 

[kathainbowen]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9600183#post9600183 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Hypertek99
I'll give the zip lock bag a try. How long do i leave the bag on the water???

.... just a second or two... not much at all.

 

[jdkackley]

IMO, both HYPERTEK and KERMIT have the issue figured out. Blast the surface of the water, not only to break up the film ( if you dont have an overflow box ) but to bring less oxygenated water up to the surface for gaseous exchange. But this will also allow a skimmer to be more effective in trapping the D.O.C. that accumulate at the surface where there is less ( surface ) tension. Just my opinion. Feel free to disagree.

 

[Inflames]

that means its time to change your oil. Pep Boys.

 

[jdkackley]

Sorry for sounding to geek squad, but when you put the ziplock bag in the water didn't the oily crap just get pushed sort-a-speak away. Ah, surface tension. Nice reference INFLAMES. I chuckled.

 

[Inflames]

You can use newspaper to get surface gunk off your water. When you run out of newspaper invest in a surface skimmer of some sort, overflow box etc.