cloudy film after water change 4 days ago

mattgeezer · 02-22-2007, 08:30 PM

I Did a water change at least 4 days ago , now i have this cloudy film on top of my tank water. not at all bubbly like soap like an oily residue .

The skimmer is working fine , critters look fine (i have designated fish only cleaning equipment)

... has anyone ever seen this before???

coral reefer · 02-22-2007, 08:59 PM

I have seen this numerous times in my tanks and other as well! It is basically a mixture of oils from your skin, DOM etc. This can be rectified by increasing the waterflow to the top of your water column, which also helps to add Dissolved Oxygen to your water and remove excess co2.
By having a overflow filter/pre filter, it will remove this sediment/pollution, whatever you may call it from the top of your tank. This is bad to have as it reduces the amount of light reaching your corals below as does gelbstoff(yellowing tinge/color in your water. Carbon will aid in that reduction as well!

mattgeezer · 02-22-2007, 09:58 PM

cool thanks coral reefer !!!!

sharkatak · 02-23-2007, 01:05 AM

I've had a similar problem for a few months and have'nt found a solution yet.It seems to get worse when I feed with frozen brine shrimp and misis.It gets worse without touching the tank for 2 or 3 days.I replaced 2 of my 4 T5 tubes 3wks ago and it looks like an algael bloom onthe surface.I can clean it by ripping up squares of kitchen paper towel and gently dropping it on the surface and quickly lifting it out before it sinks.It takes a while and half a roll but it works.The problem is, it's back in a few days.I don't have a sump or overflow and it's not an option at this stage.I don't think my problem has anything to do with hygene of the hands as I'm very particular about that.Any ideas?

mattgeezer · 02-23-2007, 02:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharkatak

I've had a similar problem for a few months and have'nt found a solution yet.It seems to get worse when I feed with frozen brine shrimp and misis.It gets worse without touching the tank for 2 or 3 days.I replaced 2 of my 4 T5 tubes 3wks ago and it looks like an algael bloom onthe surface.I can clean it by ripping up squares of kitchen paper towel and gently dropping it on the surface and quickly lifting it out before it sinks.It takes a while and half a roll but it works.The problem is, it's back in a few days.I don't have a sump or overflow and it's not an option at this stage.I don't think my problem has anything to do with hygene of the hands as I'm very particular about that.Any ideas?

One thing you should try is go down to the chemist/ pharmacy and get a syringe (no needle) and lightly suck it off the surface (maybe turn your powerheads off) . i tried this today and its not as bad as it was ..

i will try coral reefers idea with carbon ..

sharkatak · 02-23-2007, 03:08 AM

great idea.I'll try and let you know.I would still like to know why it's happening.

mattgeezer · 02-23-2007, 03:31 AM

i was just reading another thread on 3reef about disolving reef builder .....i think i used saltwater instead of fresh to disolve it ... its the only thing i can think of

Tangster · 02-23-2007, 03:47 AM

Are you skimming the water from the top inch or so of the aquarium over an overflow system for the sump ? or are you using a HOB type of skimmer ? force the very top surface the water through some carbon. Coooking oild smoking oils oil is everywhere in the house from furniture wax to soap and bath products

Tangster · 02-23-2007, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharkatak

I've had a similar problem for a few months and have'nt found a solution yet.It seems to get worse when I feed with frozen brine shrimp and misis.It gets worse without touching the tank for 2 or 3 days.I replaced 2 of my 4 T5 tubes 3wks ago and it looks like an algael bloom onthe surface.I can clean it by ripping up squares of kitchen paper towel and gently dropping it on the surface and quickly lifting it out before it sinks.It takes a while and half a roll but it works.The problem is, it's back in a few days.I don't have a sump or overflow and it's not an option at this stage.I don't think my problem has anything to do with hygene of the hands as I'm very particular about that.Any ideas?

The frozen stuff you are feeding is greasy as can be especially the Myisis shrimps I hate them leaves a slick on my hands when I ever touched them. Are you skimming the top surface also and passing the water through carbon ?

sharkatak · 02-23-2007, 06:03 PM

I'm unable to skim the surface at this stage.I don't have a sump and I run an otto 2000lph with 3 cups underneath.1 has phosphate,1 has carbon and the other a filter sponge.I have a 1400lph for extra water movement,plus a2000lph driving an internal skimmer.The otto breaks the surface and is at maximum turbulance without splashing on the floor.I do need some sort of surface skimming,money is short.Any suggestions.