Film on tank surface - no overflow tank - not sure what to do

dvleemin · 04/02/2009, 12:29 AM

Hi,
I recently got a 30g tank that does not have an overflow. I'm noticing that a film is forming on the water surface and I'm not sure how to get rid of it. I have a MJ 1200 pointed at the surface that agitates the water, but all it's doing is forcing the film around the sides. I'm never run into this before as I've never had a tank that didn't have an overflow.

I do have a skimmer that's working pretty good.

Any thoughts on what to do?

Darryl

Alaskan Reefer · 04/02/2009, 12:38 AM

What kind of skimmer? Any way to attach a surface modification or build a small surface skimming box around it?

dvleemin · 04/02/2009, 12:40 AM

It's a Red Sea Prizm . . .

I also have a aquaclear filter running just for water movement - I'm now thinking I've seen a surface skimming attachment for it that I think would work . . .

Darryl

Alaskan Reefer · 04/02/2009, 12:48 AM

There is a surface skimming attachment for those, need to make sure water level stays constant in the tank for it to work well. Should be adequate for a 30g.

drummereef · 04/02/2009, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dvleemin
Hi,
I recently got a 30g tank that does not have an overflow. I'm noticing that a film is forming on the water surface and I'm not sure how to get rid of it. I have a MJ 1200 pointed at the surface that agitates the water, but all it's doing is forcing the film around the sides. I'm never run into this before as I've never had a tank that didn't have an overflow.

I do have a skimmer that's working pretty good.

Any thoughts on what to do?

Darryl

Unfortunately that skimmer isn't going to help you much. I would suggest getting some more 'indirect' flow in the tank. I have a sumpless system as well, but I have 1,300+ GPH of flow with two Tunze Nanostreams and an Aquaclear hob. The entire water surface of my tank ripples from front to back. Besides limiting the nutrient levels in the tank, this has been the only way to eliminate that buildup on the water surface.

Here's a recent (no so good) pic that you can see how much the water is 'stirred' up. Flow is your friend.

04/02/2009, 12:29 AM	#1
dvleemin Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 61	Film on tank surface - no overflow tank - not sure what to do Hi, I recently got a 30g tank that does not have an overflow. I'm noticing that a film is forming on the water surface and I'm not sure how to get rid of it. I have a MJ 1200 pointed at the surface that agitates the water, but all it's doing is forcing the film around the sides. I'm never run into this before as I've never had a tank that didn't have an overflow. I do have a skimmer that's working pretty good. Any thoughts on what to do? Darryl

04/02/2009, 12:38 AM	#2
Alaskan Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Eagle River, Alaska Posts: 2,360	What kind of skimmer? Any way to attach a surface modification or build a small surface skimming box around it? __________________ Unattended children will be given double shot espresso and a free puppy. Current Tank Info: 125g FOWLR -- Conversion Back To SPS In Progress

04/02/2009, 12:48 AM	#4
Alaskan Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Eagle River, Alaska Posts: 2,360	There is a surface skimming attachment for those, need to make sure water level stays constant in the tank for it to work well. Should be adequate for a 30g. __________________ Unattended children will be given double shot espresso and a free puppy. Current Tank Info: 125g FOWLR -- Conversion Back To SPS In Progress

04/02/2009, 12:40 AM	#3
dvleemin Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 61	It's a Red Sea Prizm . . . I also have a aquaclear filter running just for water movement - I'm now thinking I've seen a surface skimming attachment for it that I think would work . . . Darryl