Weird Film on the surface

[makatak123]

Hey guys, I have a question about my 55g salt. I was feeding my fish and noticed there is some kind of film on the surface of my aquarium. It's kinda white, I will try posting a pic soon.

Thanks, Michael

[barrettsline]

It's a protein layer. You need surface agitation to make it go away. To much build up of a protein layer reduces oxygen exchange. Overflow, powerhead directed at surface, air stone, or HOB can and will take care of it.

[makatak123]

I stuck some more pumps in there to try getting rid of it.

[barrettsline]

As long as it agitates the surface well it will take care of it.

[mistahoo]

It's a protein layer. You need surface agitation to make it go away. To much build up of a protein layer reduces oxygen exchange. Overflow, powerhead directed at surface, air stone, or HOB can and will take care of it.

+1 Or in other words, a bio film. Barretsline has listed pretty much what you need to get rid of it. It occurs in fw and sw.

[mistahoo]

I stuck some more pumps in there to try getting rid of it.

Sticking in more pumps won't do much to get rid of it unless the pumps' output is pointed towards the surface

[makatak123]

I have a HOB and a pump agitating the water. I am going to try finishing my sump and overflow and put it on tomorrow.

[makatak123]

Sticking in more pumps won't do much to get rid of it unless the pumps' output is pointed towards the surface

They are pointing toward the surface

[barrettsline]

makatak123 your fine. If your installing a sump tomorrow or even withing the week youll be fine. I have the same issue on my tanks, I point returns on my 2217"s at the surface. Ill add an HOB when funds permit to take care of completely.

[mistahoo]

If you have an overflow, there's no real need for the HOB filter unless you're using it for extra filtration

[HERM]

It's a protein layer. You need surface agitation to make it go away. To much build up of a protein layer reduces oxygen exchange. Overflow, powerhead directed at surface, air stone, or HOB can and will take care of it.

+1
Are you running a protein skimmer ?

[mistahoo]

+1
Are you running a protein skimmer ?

Protein skimmer will definitely do you good when you're doing sw

[Totenkampf]

It's a protein layer. You need surface agitation to make it go away. To much build up of a protein layer reduces oxygen exchange. Overflow, powerhead directed at surface, air stone, or HOB can and will take care of it.

+1. you can also turn off all pumps and sop it up with paper towels

[makatak123]

ok, thanks with all the feedback!