how to get rid of the grunge on the surface of the tank?
- Thread starter eclipse12
- Start date
smokinstarfish
Member
If you have a filter intake, use a surface skimmer attachment from the lfs that fits. Fluval makes one. Or you can make one out of a sandwich Rubbermaid container... But you really should get a protein skimmer, especially if you're having that problem. Make a DIY protein skimmer for cheap.
escape2thewater
Active Member
You can also direct a PH at it to push all the "Funk" towards your overflow intake.
Kyle
Kyle
wwfstyle
Member
If you are looking for a cheap skimmer do what I did. Go to your lfs and see if you can buy one of there used ones that they use in the store. I bought mine for $30 and a pump for $20. Not bad all used but it will give you an idea of how you would want to build your own. $50 alot better than $100 plus. hopes this gives you some ideas. Rick
lesleybird
Active Member
Originally posted by eclipse12
I know that a protein skimmer will take care of it, but i currently dont have one. what could i do to skim it off?
Hi, I have a protein skimmer and still have that film on the surface. I ordered a new tank with a built in overflow that will take care of the problem. The surface skimmer for filters should help you as would a hang on overflow box. Before I got the skimmer I ran the tank for a long time without one and the surface film seems no better or worse with the protein skimmer on the tank. Lesley
smokinstarfish
Member
Lesley, what is the water movement like at the surface? If there's movement, and your protein skimmer is supposed to be working, then maybe it's not working quite hard enough.
Scum will always build at the surface if there's no movement.
And Eclipse, try a cheap DIY protein skimmer if you must. It's also true, at least do something to break the water surface so your filter can get it.
Scum will always build at the surface if there's no movement.
And Eclipse, try a cheap DIY protein skimmer if you must. It's also true, at least do something to break the water surface so your filter can get it.
lesleybird
Active Member
Hi, To answer your question, I have a lot of surface movement on the top....lots. My water quality is really good but I can always see a little dust and thin film on the top. I am sure when I get an overflow it will go away. Lesley
wwfstyle
Member
I had the same problem and I took my over-flow box into my lfs and they said that my wall from the 1 side of box is too high so he cut it down about an inch or so (The outer part of the box the divider section). My lfs told me that ur tube should only be about 3/4 inch higher than ur tube that is pringing in the water from the tank. Also check to see if the tubeing that is in the over-flow to the sump is only about a half inch or so this will help suction ur surface I bet. HTH Rick