And another question from the newbie

[David Grubb]

What is all this stuff forming at the surface of the tank, only 3 days old now

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Could be film from sand, if you used it.

 

[Mjrenz]

It's a little hard to tell from the pic but it's probably biofilm, generally more surface agitation will keep it away

 

[David Grubb]

And should i put the wave maker on the same end as the discharge end of the pump or have them at separate ends like I have them now

 

[David Grubb]

How do I get rid of it

 

[BadFish619]

U can point return at the surface or stir it up... I actually set a paper towel on it when it happened to me

 

[Mjrenz]

I find that trying different positions with your powerhead until you find the correct position for your tank is the best way deal with it.

 

[Angrywalnut]

That film will keep appearing. Aiming the power head will keep it off to one side or the other, or sink it. But its still in the water. You need a surface skimmer of some sort with saltwater. Or the paper towels periodically. Keep the return and powerhead aimed the way they are.

More info: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/surface-skimmer-anyone-used-one.340417/

 

[Mike konesky]

Small airline hose right at the surface will remove it. I had it all the time with an old tank with a canister filter. Start a syphon with the airline, then slowly pull the airline up to the surface so it pulls some air and water. I had a 29 aqueon with a glass top and I'd use the lid to hold the airline at the right level, which will slowly drop as you remove water. Watch the oil slick disappear and take note of where it ends up as it gets smaller. Your flow pattern will dictate where the last bit will end up and you can then use that same spot each time as you remove it. I used to remove it once a week or so. If you have too much surface agitation your syphon will break easy as you try and pull air with the water.