Semi oily film at the top of the water?

[Jimmye4fish]

What is it? Do I need to get rid of it? If so how do i do it? The levels all tested perfect. I'm a newbie (2 weeks). I bought an established 75 gallon set up with a refugium and protien skimmer. The water is clear and fish seem fine, just not sure what this stuff is at the surface of the water.

 

[bonniewoodruff]

Is your protein skimmer producing skimate? I do see a film on my tank sometimes, usually it is when I need to turn the skimmer up. How much water flow do you have?

 

[College fishman]

I get it on my tanks when I don't have any surface disruption. I think it's just dust particles from the surrounding air and stagnant surface water

 

[Flaxon-Waxon]

You want to try to avoid it by using a powerhead to create some turbulence at the surface. It will also aid in gas exchange keeping your PH where it should be...

 

[College fishman]

I keep one powerhead pointed up and a other pointed down.

 

[Jimmye4fish]

I have no clue what skimate is? There's some light brown colored stuff in the top of it (if that's what you mean)

I will have to ask the previous owner the details on the pumps.

Come to think of it he did have is blower pointed more upward. I have it slightly down and towards the rock.

When I day newbie, I mean I don't have a clue but I'm trying to learn. So far so good though. We love it! We originally were going to buy a small 14-20 gallon setup with a couple of clownfish and fell in love with the idea. We found our setup on Craigslist. Thanks for the advice and I will post the pump info when I get it.