[Trigger Man]

Thanks for all the helpful info.
I have noticed A film on the top of my water. I have 2 power heads to move the water but the film is still there. How can I get rid of this?

[leebca]

Film. Hmmmm

If it is an oily kind of film, you'll have to figure out why your skimmer isn't taking care of that. A skimmer is usually pretty good at removing fatty acids, oils, and fats from the water column. Keeping your skimmer clean and having a skimmer sized for about twice your tank is all you need to take care of this kind of film.

If the skin is organic in nature, without an oily sheen, then quite often that is caused by the build up of decaying matter in the system. You can as you are doing, mix up the surface with agitation, but you might prefer to address and get rid of the cause, too.

I don't know your system well enough to say specifically, but look for dead snails, dead crabs, dead things on your live rock or in your substrate. It can also be from uneaten foods or 'things' that are getting into your water (children dropping Cheerios in to 'feed the fishies' or fumes from home projects, etc.). A system that is still maturing often shows this kind of reaction to the changes it's going through (dying off of different organisms as others take their place). There's a lot of things to look for from this last paragraph, but don't forget to maintain good, constant water quality to help steady things.

[Trigger Man]

Is this film bad for the fish? I have a prizim protein skimmer that hangs for the top. Should I get a better one? If so what skimmer to you suggest.

[leebca]

Hi. I will put these posts into a new thread, since we changed subjects.

[leebca]

A film can be promblematic to your fish's and aquarium's health. A film on the water retards gas exchange. It is also indicative of a problem with the water quality.

If a system has some surface agitation and you still have a film on the surface, the problem is significant. At least significant enough to take some action.

I don't mean to let you down, T M, but I don't recommend any kind of equipment or foods by brand name. If you want equipment info and suggestions, post a new thread in the Reefland's Tanks, Filtration & Basic Equipment Forum. I'm sure they'll be happy to provide guidance and suggestions about protein skimmers.

[BubbaWPB]

If your skimmer intake is below the water surface, it may not be getting the film into your skimmer... that's what overflows are for... to have the "skin" flow into the part that get sucked into the skimmer/filter.

There are "hang on" overflows that you can put the pump in to feed your skimmer that work effectively to get the scum into the skimmer where it can be removed.

P.S. Cigarette smoke is notorious for causing films on tanks.

[Trigger Man]

Tank is at the office and no one smokes. I have a prizuim skimmer, will the overflow work with my skimmer. If so do you know where to get one.