Scummy Film on Water Surface

Capnbob · 03/02/2006, 11:53 PM

Howdy,

IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢m starting to get a film like gunk on the surface of my 46 gallon reef tank. I think it's started because I've just recently started adding Kent's liquid calcium and Strontium.

My tank doesnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t have an overflow box because I donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t have a sump.

Other than getting a sump with an overflow, how can I get rid of that film on my water surface? IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ve pointed a powerhead at the water surface and that hasnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t helped.

IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ve found this Tunze Nano Filter which would work great for this, but before buying it IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢d like to see if thereÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s another lower-cost option. Also, I donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t like the idea of throwing another piece of equipment in the side of my tank if possible. Are there any other similar products?

In cast someone asks, here's my tank info:

46 gallon bowfront. Rena XP3 Canister Filter, Coralife Super Skimmer for up to 65 gallons. Two Maxi-Jet 1200's with Hydor Flo water deflectors. About 50-70 lbs. of live rock. Current USA 36" Power Compacts w/ 1 - Dual Daylight Lamp (10,000K and 6,700K) and 1 - Dual Actinic Lamp (420nm and 460nm).

Any tips are much appreciated.

-Capnbob

Blown 346 · 03/03/2006, 12:08 AM

It sounds like you have proteins floating at the water surface. Having a decent amount of surface water movement should help, you already have a good skimmer.

tjh · 03/03/2006, 12:15 AM

you might try adding an overflow box and placing the skimmer feed pump inside it (wether it is a rc or not). it should get rid of that scum layer and also improve your skimming.hth

Alaskan Reefer · 03/03/2006, 01:14 AM

How much water circulation do you have in the tank? Powerheads / streams near the surface will do the trick. If nota nd you're going to keep using the cannister, you could look into a surface extractor for it -- even if you had to modify another brand's.

Pretty common in sumpless tanks unless you have strong water movement.

cfarrow2 · 03/03/2006, 02:32 AM

Try a fine mesh net and get that sump going. With what you've got invested already, it'll be worth it. Just a ten g. tank, an overflow and return pump shouldn't set you back too much.

MattG · 03/03/2006, 02:15 PM

i was just going through this same dilemna and really didnt find a better option. Ordered the Tunze nano filter today.

If you are willing to DIY im sure it would be fairly easy to make. Check out Agu's post
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...ze+nano+filter

03/02/2006, 11:53 PM	#1
Capnbob Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Eugene, Oregon Posts: 116	Scummy Film on Water Surface Howdy, IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢m starting to get a film like gunk on the surface of my 46 gallon reef tank. I think it's started because I've just recently started adding Kent's liquid calcium and Strontium. My tank doesnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t have an overflow box because I donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t have a sump. Other than getting a sump with an overflow, how can I get rid of that film on my water surface? IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ve pointed a powerhead at the water surface and that hasnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t helped. IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ve found this Tunze Nano Filter which would work great for this, but before buying it IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢d like to see if thereÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s another lower-cost option. Also, I donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t like the idea of throwing another piece of equipment in the side of my tank if possible. Are there any other similar products? In cast someone asks, here's my tank info: 46 gallon bowfront. Rena XP3 Canister Filter, Coralife Super Skimmer for up to 65 gallons. Two Maxi-Jet 1200's with Hydor Flo water deflectors. About 50-70 lbs. of live rock. Current USA 36" Power Compacts w/ 1 - Dual Daylight Lamp (10,000K and 6,700K) and 1 - Dual Actinic Lamp (420nm and 460nm). Any tips are much appreciated. -Capnbob

03/03/2006, 01:14 AM	#4
Alaskan Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Eagle River, Alaska Posts: 2,360	How much water circulation do you have in the tank? Powerheads / streams near the surface will do the trick. If nota nd you're going to keep using the cannister, you could look into a surface extractor for it -- even if you had to modify another brand's. Pretty common in sumpless tanks unless you have strong water movement. __________________ Unattended children will be given double shot espresso and a free puppy. Current Tank Info: 125g FOWLR -- Conversion Back To SPS In Progress

03/03/2006, 02:32 AM	#5
cfarrow2 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Overland Park, KS Posts: 626	Try a fine mesh net and get that sump going. With what you've got invested already, it'll be worth it. Just a ten g. tank, an overflow and return pump shouldn't set you back too much. __________________ Happiness is contagious. What are you spreading? Current Tank Info: 55 gal. 216 W. T5s. Wet/dry sump w/ Mag 5 return. Softies, 3 fish, shrimp, urchin. HA factory for the time being.

03/03/2006, 02:15 PM	#6
MattG Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Waco, TX Posts: 3,216	i was just going through this same dilemna and really didnt find a better option. Ordered the Tunze nano filter today. If you are willing to DIY im sure it would be fairly easy to make. Check out Agu's post http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...ze+nano+filter __________________ Matt Current Tank Info: 215 mixed reef

03/03/2006, 12:08 AM	#2
Blown 346 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Rockford, Illinois Posts: 6,596	It sounds like you have proteins floating at the water surface. Having a decent amount of surface water movement should help, you already have a good skimmer.

03/03/2006, 12:15 AM	#3
tjh Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: mooresville nc Posts: 118	you might try adding an overflow box and placing the skimmer feed pump inside it (wether it is a rc or not). it should get rid of that scum layer and also improve your skimming.hth