Film on top of water

[duddi]

I have a film on top of my water. If I take my finger and skim the top of the water it breaks up the film and if I aggitate the surface with my power filter it gets white/clear flakes swirling in my tank.

Should I be aggitating the surface always?
I had a power filter and a power head running and didn't see a problem and before I left for the weekend I turned the power filter off and know I have a film.
Any idea what it is and what I should do?

[Devilishturtles]

Yes, always point a powerhead up for surfacea aggitation. That should help. I notice when my skimmer gets turned off, I get a collection of gunk on the surface.

[roka64]

I pointed my phs towared the surface, and that got rid of the oily surface.

[afilter]

Yes, direct your water flow to break the surface. Also, how frequesnt are your pwc? I get this as well and usually notice it most when I am 1+ weeks past due on pwc.

HTH,

[weekf]

Try to get a surface skimmer either Fluval, Aquaclear or other brand. I am using one of this with a hang on back filter on my nano it works like a charm and not expensive at all.

[duddi]

Thanks, I think I will get a skimmer. I would like to take off my power filter and just use ph and skimmer. My tank is only 3 weeks past its cycle and I have done 2 20% water changes. My ph has an attachment that will allow air to run through it pushing air bubbles with the flow. Should I use this attachment or not?

[melosu58]

I would not as it will cause lots of micro bubbles in your tank. Nothing wrong with that but I always see alot of people complain when they get those.

[roka64]

Should I use this attachment or not?

I believe it can cause problems in SW fish, like eye problems and a few other things, if I remember correctly. You don't need air bubbles in the tank, proper surface ripple will promote healthy gas exchange and a stable pH.