Surface Algae.

[sub.42]

Hi all,

Just how do I get rid of the surface film on my tank? It's algae of some sort, and algae doesn't affect the rest of the tank.

It gets so bad I have to upturn my filter outputs to agitate the surface. It's got such a high surface tension that my Co2 is starting to collect underneath the surface. It's not nice to look at.

I was thinking about installing a Biowheel to skim the surface, as a surface skimmer wil be too noisy. What do you think? Will it work?

Water parameters are all ok, but just having done a sustantial water change, I want to let the tank settle again before testing. I'm going to test again in a week.

Help! I've tried lots of other solutions, none work. I have about 120w over 180 litres. 20w of which is on for twelve hours a day, the other 100w is on for eight.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

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[Mr Miagi]

What food do you use?

And what ferts do you use if any?

 

[sub.42]

mr_miagi32,

Thanks for your quick response. I am using Hikari Cichlid Staple, and I just use a simple King British Plant food. Nothing fancy, but as my plants seem to do ok, I just add some with every other water change. I try to make sure the plants use as much nutrient as possible before I add more.

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[Mr Miagi]

Well i know food can cause a shiny surface, but im not familiar with either brand of food or nutrients. I would add an air stone. But im stumped!

Ideas anyone else?

 

[sub.42]

Well, the airstone thing did cross my mind, but then the biowheel seems a better idea, less noise and more bio-filtration.

Biowheel anyone? Do they really cause big surface agitation? I don't want to loose all that Co2.

If they turn slowly enough, then they must be ok, right?

It looks as though a surface skimmer might be the only way.....

All ideas gratefully received.

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[Dubby]

sub.42

I would suggest you move the filter inlet closer to the surface so it can suck in the stuff thats building up.

 

[jimw13uk]

Cichlid staple wont be the cause - I've used it for a few years and never had a problem (sweeping statement - I suppose in conjunction with other unknown factors it could be the problem but I'd be surprised)

I had a similar "oil slick" in my tank and found that it was when my filter wool was clogged so not providing the right filtration - It may be a filter problem - Have you changed any filter medium in a while - i'd try that first.

The problem with just adding an airstone is it may get rid of the build up but that could be just disguising a problem in the tank

 

[kenneth_kpe]

surface scum?, search around the forums for surface scum, its a common problem with planted tanks because u tend to minimize surface agitation, well as far as i know its just build up, some fishies they say eat it like mollies and most dont.. a good solution they say is to increase water agitation or use a surface skimmer, im not sure but i think the noise of a surface skmmer depends on the design hope this helps and somebody correct me if im wrong

 

[sub.42]

Well,

Problem solved.

I have fitted a Bioflo biowheel. I'm going to modify the outlet a little, the stop it from agitating the surface quite so much. It has done the job rapidly.

It was amazing, as soon as I turned it on, the film sort of 'made it's way' towards it wheel!

I'll report back on my Co2 levels, and let you know just how much it goes all over the place.

The water really was incredibly clear this morning. Might be down to the fact I'm powering the wheel with a Fluval 4+ that I have hidden behind a huge mother plant!

Thanks guys,

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