Surface Scum

[mhossom]

Hi all,

 

My first nano is running along just fine. My cycle is done and I am experiencing my first serious algae bloom. Blechhh:*(

 

My question is for those of you that do not have a skimmer box or overflow in your tanks. How do you deal with the scum that forms on the surface of the water?

 

Should I aim one of my PHs right at the surface?

 

Thanks

[gullmo]

I had the same problem. Simply direct powerhead flow towards surface. It may cause quicker evaporation but keeps surface aerated and clean plus it gives a rippling lighting effect through the tank.

[mhossom]

Thanks,

 

That is what I figured I had to do. That will probably help with my heat problem as well.

 

Mike

[Dave ESPI]

Though some will argue.... Newspaper will remove surface slime in a pinch... its a "Poor mans skimmer" but works well. simply lay a sheet of news paper on top of surface allow it to asorb for 6- 10 seconds and remove. repete fer 4 seconds if necessarywith another sheet.

[tinyreef]

the MASTER BASTER!

 

actually, use a turkey baster to suck it up. the master baster's more for bbq's.

[printerdown01]

Hummm... interesting, just a couple of days ago I claimed that I had not seen anyone on nano-reef with this problem! LOL, having movement along the surface is very important in my opinion. I have always had a PH (or PHs) that blew not only "at" my surface but "across" it. When you just blow in one spot, it is possible to have problems with a "skin" growing on the opposite side of the tank. I truly believe that circulation is the best prevention of stagnant water .

[Lunchbucket]

if you have a HOT filter get a surface skimmer for it 10bucks. works great and crystal clear surface!

 

Lunchbucket

[zawer]

i have the same problem with my tank, especially after a water change when i get a load of tiny bubbles or disturbed debris floating into the surface ' scum'.

 

I'm gona try the newspaper tactic but won't anything get leeched into the tank from the ink? been using a pipette to remove most of the scum recently but as you can imagine it can take awhile.

 

I think the only really viable solution is to get some sort of surface skimming filter for my tank and probably throw in some carbon as well.

 

Hong

 

P.S- I've always pointed both my ph at the surface, all it does is swirl the scum around which eventually deposits itself in a corner of the tank.

[lizbeth]

I use a surface skimmer hooked to the HOB, it works great!

[Lunchbucket]

get a $10 surface skimmer and save your time, effort, and sanity!!!

 

Lunchbucket

[MKramer]

When I get the occasional build-up, I just skim it with a small cup. Cheaper than a $10 skimmer-addon even. However, I may consider one if I had a HOB filter, but all my circulation is internal.