dirty water

[pennybabe01]

I always have this oily looking film on the surface of my tank. I asked my lfs about it and they said it was probably dirt or me not washing my hands before putting them in my tank. But what I dont understand if its dust, why's it so oily looking and what can i do to prevent/fix the problem? (or is this normal?)

TIA

 

[indy]

Sounds like protein scum. Using a skimmer will pull that stuff out of the water, and directing a powerhead towards the surface will help keep it from forming.

 

[phases99]

I bought a preskimmer box for my skimmer which helps remove it. But playing with the PH placement like Indy said will give you the best results. I always use gloves in the tank as I don't want to infect or get infected by the tank.

 

[Atari]

Feeding also contributes.. feed less, and discard any liquid from frozen preparations only feeding the flesh. If you use garlic then that alone can cause a nice big oil slick.

 

[pennybabe01]

Thanx guys! I have a 60ga sw reef, and a bak pak 2 skimmer. I will look into getting a preskimmer box and my power head this week. I was going to probably get a maxi 900 or 1200. Everything else but the gloves, I've been doing.