"Mucus" forming on top of water

I have a thin layer of what looks to be a clear mucus, of bubbles, forming a skin on the top of my water. It has a very high tensile strength, it is like a thin skin of bubbles that wants to stick to itself. I scooped off most of it last night and it has regenerated quite quickly. Anybody know what and why this is going on? All tank residents and corals are doing great! I have not checked levels yet, but the tank is over a year old and 4 days ago everything was great. Nothing has been added or taken away.

 

Its protien based waste held there by surface tension
increase water movement at surface and that will solve it

Steve

 

Is there enough water movement near the top?, you should point your powerheads upwards, toward the surface.

 

First I would check to make sure all pumps are in working order.

A film on the waters surface usually indicates a lack of flow and surface agitation.

Next I would change out carbon and place new carbon and clean any mechanical filtration like sponges, floss.....


Lastly I would do a water change.

I think you are at risk for low O2 levels and that could lead to big problems. Why it is happening now I do not know, but check overflows, and pumps first.

Good luck

 

I have one pointed directly at the surface, and a filter that skims from the top. I run a protien skimmer (which is working great). I suppose i will put my other powerhead closer to the surface. Its just that everything has been fine for a year, and all of a sudden this?? Weird..... Thank you

 

Thank Coralline. I'm gonna clean all my heads, uv, protein and my canister. I always run carbon but it is due for replacement and your givin me the kick i need to get of my a** and do it! I'm slacking in the husbandry section i guess. Thankfully my tank told me nicely.

 

Also, in the mean time, paper towels are your friend. Drop one on, let it get wet and throw it away. Repeat until surface is clear.

See if your brand of skimmer has a surface skimming attachment that you can buy. That will solve this problem forever.

 

Cleaned a bunch of my gear, replaced carbon. Looks like everything is thumbs up now. Thanks all