Layer of protein on the surface

[Andy O]

I have had a noticable layer of protein on the surface of my water for the past few days. What can I do.

It is a 36 gallon with a bak pak 2 w/needle wheel pump and I have three powerheads in the tank w/2 of them directed at the surface. Can't seem to get rid of it.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[~Flighty~]

Is there anything that does surface skimming? That term refers to anything that pulls off the top layer of water with the gunk on it and sends it somewhere to be filtered. The comb at the top of an overflow is an example.
I'm not sure if the bac pac has that.

 

[G.T]

If you have no way of actual surface skimming try some absorbant paper that will do the trick

 

[Andy O]

Thanks for the reply. The bak pak does make a surface skim box but it is quite bulky and awkward looking in the tank. I thought of purchasing it but I am hopefully going to be upgrading to a 90 gallon in the next month.

I will give the paper towel a try right now.

Thanks to the both of you for the feedback.

 

[meemoo]

Is the stuff oily looking? I have that problem and hopefully will go away with my overflow. For now how does the papertowl work out?

 

[Andy O]

It sort of looked like an oil slick on the surface of the water. The towel worked pretty well and as of this morning it seemed to all be gone. I would reccomend giving it a try.

 

[etszoo]

If you can, use one of the power heads to break the surface tension of the
water on top. If there is a dead spot on the top of the water you get the
"oil slick". I have both return lines into my 46g aimed towards the surface to
keep a decent "wave" action. I like the look of the lights better this way as well as it looks more natural.
-Eric

 

[G.T]

The paper towl removes the slick through absorbtion.