Film on top of water.

[bmb4516]

On the surface of my tank, a whiteish film has developed. I can actually break it apart with a net. My levels are are normal and everything seems happy in the tank (no fish just inverts, my 1 damsel had velvet and is spending another 2 weeks in the QT). Does this sound familier to anyone.

Also my protein skimmer seems to be working well too.

 

[fishfreek]

The film on the surface of the tank is a result of an excess amound of disolved solids in the water. These are collecting at the surface. I susupect your skimmer does not have a surface skimming abilitiy. If you increase your water circulation at the suface to break up this film and you can also use a cup to scoop out the stuff that has collected at the top.

You will find more advice if you search and look for terms like 'oil slick'.

 

[RandyStacyE]

If you choose not to increase your circulation, you can create an attachment to your powerhead or whatever you have that returns water to the tank by a 45 or 90* PVC pipe to make the water return agitate the surface-but not yet increasing your circulation. (half in half out of the water). Just a suggestion! But my husband could give further info. on how to do it if needed.

Stacy

 

[MadManMac]

I have this problem, and I have found a quick way to remove most of it without losing water from skimming. I took a funnel and taped a cleaned coffee filter to the end of it. Then I circulated it through the tank picking it up to let water pass through it. After abotu 10 minutes nearly all of the stuff was gone and I just through the filter away.