Surface Scum

[KenFitz]

I seem to have persistent surface scum....

Its a 20H (90L) tank - no skimming, a 550LPH filter unit with mainly mechanical filtration, some rowaphos and purigen in it. A 900LPH circulation pump.

I have tried using a vigourous bubble stream from the circulation pump - but this does not seem to clear the surface.

Anyone got any other ideas (apart from stick in an internal wear - how do these work anyway - yep I know it pulls water from the surface - but surely once it fills up it just takes water from the under the surface or you have to get the rate of out and in flow precisely ballanced otherwise would it not flood or dry out????????).


Cheers.

 

[Anonymous]

1. Get a skimmer
2. You can aim a powerhead at the surface to keep the water moving.
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[Omni2226]

Another easy way in a smal tank is to take plain white paper towel, lay it on the water like you would to set something on it, then pull it out and throw it away.

It,s called "wicking" and is used to skim all types of things.

 

[KenFitz]

Thanks for the replies..

Can't get a skimmer in the tank - it's a Aqua one 620 - the way it is designed prevents easy skimmer attachment.

The paper towel idea sounds ok - I presume most paper towels are ok as long as they are not coloured.

Thanks.

 

[dodo99]

I'm using a Fluval surface skimmer attached to my HOB that I use that holds carbon and a bit of Phosban. It works quite well to minimize surface junk.

 

[Anonymous]

I'd get a skimmer if that's at all possible, IMO that's one of the most important pieces of equipment for a reef tank.

 

[KenFitz]

I'd get a skimmer if that's at all possible

The tank has a complete hood - so at present a skimmer is not possible - I should however be able to modify the filter flow to accept the fluval surface skimming thing - If only I could find a source for them in the UK. Are these things a recent innovation (i.e this century) as it takes a while for the UK to catch up with the US of A. We are only just getting HDTV....

 

[Anonymous]

I'd get a skimmer if that's at all possible

The tank has a complete hood - so at present a skimmer is not possible - I should however be able to modify the filter flow to accept the fluval surface skimming thing - If only I could find a source for them in the UK. Are these things a recent innovation (i.e this century) as it takes a while for the UK to catch up with the US of A. We are only just getting HDTV....

:lol:...you'll love HDTV, its great. You may try asking your local fish store if they can order that part for you, or check around for a local club, they may have a source.