Film on Water

[CluelessInNY]

Not sure what it is, but it's clear to the eye until you see it from a side angle with the tank lights. The stream from the powerhead makes a "dent" in it (think of a stream flowing into a lake in winter where the lake is frozen, but the flow from the stream makes a bulge of unfrozen water into the lake)
Is this what a protein skimmer eliminates? Is this a problem?

 

[roka64]

A skimmer would take that out, make more surface ripple and it will keep it off the surface.

 

[Ziggy953]

I agree with Scott...surface skimming will keep the surface crystal clear. But pointing some of your flow towards the surface will help also.

 

[cmor1701d]

Do you have a sump and/or a protein skimmer?
You need more surface agitation as has been stated to break up the film. You want to get the surface rippled.

 

[CluelessInNY]

I have the one powerhead pointing out and up and it ripples the entire tank surface. Then I have the filter rippling even more. Sometimes I get seasick looking at my tank .
Seriously, I guess I need either a skimmer or more surface action. My tank is very small at 20 gallons. I'm not thinking about installing a sump or anything elaborate, but thank you all as always

 

[cmor1701d]

At 20 gallons I don't thing I would add a skimmer either. More surface agitation would help break it up, but too much and the water will be sloshing out of the tank. A paper towel skimmed across the top would probably help get some out.

 

[CaptainAhab]

What type of filter? Most HOB's and cans can be fitted with a surface skimmer of the 'non protein skimmer' skimmer family

Aquarium Surface Skimmer

Power Filter: Bio System Power Filter & Surface Skimmer from Drs. Foster and Smith