Sediment on Top of Water?

[estein02]

I've just noticed that I have some sediment sitting on the top of the water. I don't believe that it is a flow issue, but it hasn't always been this way...used to be crystal clear. I've recently pointed the head of one of my PHs more towards the bottom of the tank to help with the detritus which it did do, but now the water at the top of the tank isn't clear. What should I do?
TIA

 

[autofreak44]

do you have a lid on? if you dont, get one but make shure you dont cover it all the way becasue there needs to be gas exchange

 

[1journeyman]

That's one of the reasons many overflows, skimmers, etc. pull from the top.
You can either get a powerhead directed at the top, or by a mechanical filter to draw off the top layer of water.

 

[estein02]

We have cats so I do have a lid on the tank with some space left open on the back. I've got an overflowbox going into the sump (into a filter sock and there is another filter sponge in the sump) that has a protein skimmer in it. It seems like a small powerhead directed towards the top of the tank would be the best way to go...maybe a maxi-jet 400. If there is a special mechanical filter that would work better please let me know. Thanks again.

 

[renogaw]

do you have an air pump in your tank?

 

[myreef05]

It's not sediment, that settles. It is extra protein matter (looks oily) that is easily taken care of with "surface agitation". Point a power head up NOT down so there is a slight ripple look to the surface water.

 

[estein02]

Originally Posted by renogaw
do you have an air pump in your tank?
No I don't...do you think that having one is a good idea?

 

[estein02]

Originally Posted by myreef05
It's not sediment, that settles. It is extra protein matter (looks oily) that is easily taken care of with "surface agitation". Point a power head up NOT down so there is a slight ripple look to the surface water.
Thank you...I will try doing that. When I got home this afternoon it was a little better. I am using carbon...replaced it last night...not sure if that has anything to do with it, but it is looking clearer.

 

[myreef05]

surface water movement is the only way to rid.

 

[estein02]

If I add a maxi-jet mp400 that will get me to about 1,450 gph of waterflow. I could put it on the same side of the tank as the mp1200 and just point it up. I've got some rippling of the surface now...guess it's just not enough. Thanks for all of the help.

 

[renogaw]

Originally Posted by estein02
No I don't...do you think that having one is a good idea?
absolutely not, think of how a skimmer works. was just an idea as to why you may have something on top of your water

 

[darknes]

Originally Posted by estein02
We have cats so I do have a lid on the tank with some space left open on the back. I've got an overflowbox going into the sump (into a filter sock and there is another filter sponge in the sump) that has a protein skimmer in it. It seems like a small powerhead directed towards the top of the tank would be the best way to go...maybe a maxi-jet 400. If there is a special mechanical filter that would work better please let me know. Thanks again.
Your overflow should be taking care of this unless it's not setup correctly. One of the main advantages of an overflow is that it removes this layer of proteins that collect on the water surface.