annoying oily layer

[geoff]

Any ideas how to get rid of the oily layer that floats on my tank? 46gal bow with hang on back ecosystem refugium lots of surface agitation from two maxijets and a rio (no skimmer). Oh and it's been up and running with the damn oily layer for 6 months (two clowns, mandarin, flame angel, 6 line wrasse, coral and inverts).

 

[q]

I is a build up of organics. You should invest in a skimmer.
Also how is the manderine and the 6-line doing together. I was contemplating having both until I read that somone had the 6-Line peck the eye out of their manderine. Is the 6-line agressive to the manderine?
[ December 13, 2001: Message edited by: Plato ]

 

[prw2799]

Also an overflow would help. I just invested in a hang on-the-back over flow that is dooing wonder for that "oily layer on the surface of your water.

 

[nosmada]

you can also point a P/H at the surface of the water.
chris

 

[geoff]

thanks for the replies, I purposely don't have a skimmer because I adhere to the principles of algae refugiums. I'll try modifying the overflow in my tank. Also the sixline is really passive and has never touched the Mandarin, I have lots of live rock though which is key to keeping both fish happy.

 

[wally]

Do you have a kerosene heater? Or use spray lysol or air freshner in your home? If so thats what maybe is causing the oil film as well.

 

[mlm]

The powerhead to break it up is a great idea if you do not have a overflow.