Somthing is wrong........

**Jace** · 11-21-2008, 11:15 PM

My tank has an algea film on the surface. No matter how hard i try to get rid of it. I cant i even run my mangum right under the surface and it barely dents it any advice?

**dillan** · 11-21-2008, 11:40 PM

Can you scoop it off with a net.

**Jace** · 11-21-2008, 11:44 PM

No..

its like not a film but 13190381047109487190481846194619486198461984618371 98471984198739187491864198471986419865918264398723 's particulars floating on the top.

**dillan** · 11-21-2008, 11:48 PM

How about aiming a powerhead or 2 at the surface then to mix it back into the water so your skimmer can pull it out.

**Jace** · 11-21-2008, 11:52 PM

Well I did do that and the spot where it is aimed at is clear should i try aiming itsome where else

**dillan** · 11-22-2008, 12:00 AM

Is it possible for you to get two poweheads at opposing ends of the tank blowing towards each other across the surface so it will kind of swirl around a bit and mix in instead of just blowing 1 clean spot in the surface.

**Jace** · 11-22-2008, 12:03 AM

I have them both pointing up to the surface. it looks like there just crowded i the middle. But what i hope will happen that is after being pushed by both after a while. they will swirl and start to fall. to you think that will work?

**dillan** · 11-22-2008, 12:08 AM

It definately won't hurt to have as much surface movement as possible . Also you could probably do a small water change and just scoop the water from the top with a coffee cup or something.

**Jace** · 11-22-2008, 12:17 AM

Okay so tommorow do you think I should try to change im guessing about 10gal and im perssonally gona try to get around 5 or 6 just from the top. Im gona rinse out a cup and perssonally scoop. the top layer of film off I already see my skimmer filming up on the top. I really want this stuff gone its really making me mad. Its blocking my lights from getting in too. My lighting is reduced by a good 10% this stuff is think. I can literly pinch it and pull it out..but its just a PITA to get out. I been trying for ever and cant evendent it....I think i need to get some sort of sump and a better skimmer that might help.. Maybe for christmas. I do have a Hang on Refigum with a skimmer built into it for my list. its a pretty good skimmer. And i can always keep the one i have now thats like a 75$ skimmer because i dont have that opportunities with out sump skimmers. and i can just run the one i have on now when i want to clean the tank. and run the one on the refigum for a main skimmer because that is the main pump to get into the refigum. Or maybe do you think a Real full time filter will help too,

**Phurst** · 11-22-2008, 12:33 AM

A sump will help immensely, because the water coming off of your tank is drawn off the top. I have one friend who doesn't have a sump and he regularly has the same problem. if you can't do a sump, consider a hang on skimmer that has a pre-skimmer box to the surface of the water gets cleaned.

**dillan** · 11-22-2008, 12:36 AM

Yeah i think that should help get the film from the top and the 10 gallon change will remove some of the stuff in the water thats feeding it.
I feel for you with the no sump thing too i don't have one either. I'm waiting till after christmas myself to upgrade my tank to a reef ready tank already drilled and ready to go i think i'm gonna get the 180 gallon all-glass. i have an old 55 in my attic i can use as the sump. But with 9 nieces and nephews plus my son and everyone else to buy for i'm pretty much on a tight budget till after the holidays.

**Jace** · 11-22-2008, 12:39 AM

what do you mean pre skimming box i might be interenteresed in seeing this and maybe buying one like it or it. or a whole new skimmer. mine that is on there right now is just on there for now. and to help for now. i will advance later on. has any one seen any hang on back refugiums. or have any imput on them.. Im really confused as of right now and it also makes my water smell extremely bad.

**rayme07** · 11-22-2008, 12:53 AM

Originally Posted by Jace

what do you mean pre skimming box

This is what I think hes talking about.

http://www.swelluk.com/marine/marine...-box-7017.html

**Jace** · 11-22-2008, 12:55 AM

oh sounds like it would help but any models on a skimmer im confused..

**dillan** · 11-22-2008, 12:56 AM

AquaC Remora Pre-skimmer For Maxi-Jet 1200
I think this is more like what he's talking about .

**dillan** · 11-22-2008, 12:56 AM

It's like a mini overflow that only feeds the skimmer so the skimmer is mainly drawing water to skim from the surface.

**Phurst** · 11-22-2008, 12:59 AM

Here's a picture of one, but it's probably not terribly helpful in explaining how it works.

https://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...ry~FIPSAC.html

Basically, the pump that drives the skimmer is located in the preskimer box, and the box is adjusted so that water flows through the teeth into the box, effectively skimming the top layer of water off the tank and feeding it into the skimmer. An Aqua-C Remora in this case.

**AlishaMichelle7** · 11-22-2008, 01:45 PM

Jace, I had the same problem for a long time in my Aquapod. I tried just about everything. The only thing that worked was replacing the return pump with something stronger. Everytime the pump gets clogged I have the same scum return to the surface. So, in my opinion, try a stronger pump.

The only quick fix I know of is to get a clean paper towel and lay it over the surface of the water for a few seconds before taking it off. It will make the top of the water clear for a while, but the same problem will return.

If this is a new problem for you, maybe you just need to clean your pump out. It might be clogged.

**Jace** · 11-22-2008, 02:45 PM

What do you mean pumps for pumps i have 2 korila #2 on each side i dont have a sump so yea

**AlishaMichelle7** · 11-22-2008, 02:55 PM

So no surface skimming at all? That's prolly more the issue then.

**Jace** · 11-22-2008, 03:35 PM

yeah i know

**AlishaMichelle7** · 11-23-2008, 02:14 AM

Well I dunno. If you just started having the problem... Maybe just cleaning out all pumps and powerheads would do you good. The key is good circulation. At least that is what has helped in my experience.