Newbie question...weird film on water

[lolly1]

Hi everybody!
I just set up my tank and started it cycling just this past weekend. One of the power heads that we put in didn't work so I exchanged it today and put it in right away. After I got it running I noticed there was a lot of white-ish, kinda slimy film on the top of my water that continues to swirl around, but doesn't seem to be moving itself towards the filter. I have my shrimp in there along with 40 pounds of sand, 20 pounds of live sand, 7 pounds of live "rubble", and 2 large base rocks (so far...more live rock to come...) Does anyone know what this film is and do I need to try and get rid of it at this point? Like I said it's clear to white, grainy looking, and a viscous to the touch.
Thanks,
Beth ***)

 

[phishface]

the only way to get rid of it is with a protein skimmer.... until you get one it will only get worse, especially once your bio load increases. i came home from work one day and thought there was something wrong with my lights.........pond scum was the problem. 3 days after my skimmer was up and running it was gone. good luck

 

[sinner's girl]

skimmer...or better water movement, aim ph to break up the water at the top.

 

[alyssia]

Originally Posted by Sinner's Girl
skimmer...or better water movement, aim ph to break up the water at the top.

 

[lolly1]

Ok, thanks! I was hoping to hold off getting a skimmer for a while....but I guess I'm going to get one sooner than I thought!!
Beth ***)