Film on water surface...

[vimalv617]

I just got my fairly new 20gal nano setup (~1.5 month old) and its been running with out any problmes for the most part. The only thing I have been noticing is that there is a wierd film that floats ontop of the waters surface. When I blow on the film to break it up, it breaks into little plates and still floats. For right now, I made a simple surface skimmer connected to my filter to get rid of it which is working fairly well. The problem with this is that the film builds up on the backend of my filter. My water changes have been fairly frequent aswell. Is this build up protien or just something else.

I have noticed this problem for a little while now. When i first notcied it, my tank inhabitants were 3 blue legged crabs and a damsel. Right now I have a tomato clown, blue damsel, yellow damsel, and a chromis.

I have about ~5-6 of live rock and a crushed shell bed. I also have a small bunch of caulerpa.

Also a second question while we are on the topic of protien skimming...which of these protien skimmers are good.
*Taam Rio nano
*Current fission nano skimmer
*Aqua C Remora (I have heard good things about it, but the question is will it fit, my tank is 12.5'' high)

Sorry If that was a little long winded, just wanted to get everything out on the table.

Thanks in advanced everyone!

[dobejazz]

welcome to TRT !

You can also disperse the film by pointing a powerhead to break the surface.

On you skimmers I only have experience with the fission and it wasn't any good as far as I was concerned. To hard to keep set and way to many bubbles in the display

[medicdiver]

It sounds to mne like you have some residue from the production process covering your water. The skimmer will take care of all that. Also I will agree that you need some type of surface agitation to push the water toward the skimmer. Simple filters will not get rid of this "film", just cycle it through and back on top of the water. I seriously doubt that it will be harmful to the tank so dont be pressured to do something quick about it. Do a lot of research when it comes to the skimmer (always go bigger to allow for improvements to tank). As far as question # 2. I have no experience with nano skimmers so I cannot give an opinion on them, Im sure other will post on that...

[vimalv617]

Thanks to both of you for the replies. I do have a small water fountain pump(Don't worry I checked for stray voltage) which shoots water straight up, but I guess I need stronger flow.

Anyone have any input on the skimmers?

[dobejazz]

I have heard the remoras are good skimmers but I've not used one. I would look into a maxi-jet powerhead for added flow and surface agitation

[kyrie_eleison]

dobe,

I have one of those fission skimmers too. It is junk. I can't get that thing to work right. And, I've never seen so many parts on such a small device.

[Mizer67]

Saphire (sp?) is making nano skimmers to fit several of the all in one tanks. Maybe one of his would work for you. I don't have one yet, but have seen good reviews.