Slime on water surface

[BrendaddyK]

I have some filmy slime type substance on the surface of my water. I have a small 5 gallon tank, is this normal or will it cause a problem?

 

[thegrun]

If you don't have a method of surface skimming oils and proteins will accumulate there. It will block some light and impede air exchange so it is a good idea to occasionally skim it off.

 

[BrendaddyK]

does that mean i need a protein skimmer? again its a small tank so adding hardware is difficult, any other suggestion like can i scoop it out some how or add a supplement to the tank to get rid of it?

 

[CStrickland]

does that mean i need a protein skimmer? again its a small tank so adding hardware is difficult, any other suggestion like can i scoop it out some how or add a supplement to the tank to get rid of it?

No, it's confusing how the names are similar, surface skimming is about how people set up their overflows and filters and stuff to take mostly from the surface of the water so that the dirtiest water is what goes to their filtration first.
Idk a lot about nanos, I think mostly people just keep the water moving and changed enough so that it doesn't get thick enough to keep the water from making contact with the air to mix in oxygen for the stock to breathe. Do you have any power heads in there to move the water around?

I've also heard of people laying a paper towel over the surface and lifting it right off in a pinch, it's supposed to work ok. But it won't take care of the reason you have it in the first place.

 

[RooKi3]

This surface skimmer works wonders. It is semi-small, don't know if it's size would bother you.

http://www.saltwaterfish.com/produc...iJhPdJqAL3_y_Sa9niqQtX_pzL_qIkFDFQxoCfTLw_wcB

 

[BrendaddyK]

i have the stock filter that pump that came with it (aqueon cue 5) so i cant exactly change or aim how the water is being pushed out and where it takes in water is a couple inches below the surface of the water. so if its a matter of just breaking the surface im kind of at a loss :worried:

 

[Dkuhlmann]

You could add a powerhead to accomplish this quite easily. Many are made for nano tanks that would be perfect for you IMO

This is one example just over $20

http://www.petco.com/product/116642...adZmsIOInuN9UDJDLI2eK3q2vAhG4IQooWRoC5WTw_wcB

 

[Dkuhlmann]

It needs to be setup on the side of your tank and pointed towards the surface to "break" the surface water which will help it move the slime to the overflow. If you have any questions after you get one let us know and someone will be happy to help you get it right. Might also check this in the nano forum here at RC.