Film of oil?

[sharkbait35]

I notice sometimes that there is what appears to be some type of oily film that covers the top layer of water in my tank. Its like a white thin film. Why do i have this ? what is it?

 

[kaingers]

I believe Its a film of protein. Basically you need to agitate the water surface of your tank with a powerhead. If you had an overflow box and sump you would not have this issue. You could also get a protein skimmer with a pre-skim box like the Aqua C Remora model.

 

[trouble93]

Originally Posted by kaingers
http:///forum/post/3148064
I believe Its a film of protein. Basically you need to agitate the water surface of your tank with a powerhead. If you had an overflow box and sump you would not have this issue. You could also get a protein skimmer with a pre-skim box like the Aqua C Remora model.
+1 no gas exchange you need to have surface water moving.

 

[sharkbait35]

ok thanks for the replies.

 

[tank a holic]

when you first get the water to agitate, the protein layer will turn white and mix into you're water....
use a papertowel on top of the water to get rid of it first

 

[ophiura]

Do you have a protein skimmer?