What is this film??

[Hallowhead]

This is a new tank that is currently cycling. I mean the water doesn't have much movement in this chamber but idk.

 

[Peace River]

This is a new tank that is currently cycling. I mean the water doesn't have much movement in this chamber but idk.

It looks like protein film (sometimes called biofilm). You can use a paper towel to remove most of it and then add some agitation to the water to keep it from forming again. It is not an immediate issue although the film limits oxygen exchange between the water and the surrounding air.

I'm curious what chamber that is in your sump and why there is no current water movement?

 

[Hallowhead]

It looks like protein film (sometimes called biofilm). You can use a paper towel to remove most of it and then add some agitation to the water to keep it from forming again. It is not an immediate issue although the film limits oxygen exchange between the water and the surrounding air.

I'm curious what chamber that is in your sump and why there is no current water movement?

It's the return from the tank. I have a PVC pushed into the filter sock so it doesn't splash.. maybe I need more flow?

 

[Peace River]

It's the return from the tank. I have a PVC pushed into the filter sock so it doesn't splash.. maybe I need more flow?

I sounds like you will need to experiment a little to find a way to minimize the splashing and increase the surface agitation. You may be able to remove the PVC pipe or use a wider PVC pipe.

 

[Hallowhead]

I sounds like you will need to experiment a little to find a way to minimize the splashing and increase the surface agitation. You may be able to remove the PVC pipe or use a wider PVC pipe.

Maybe I'll cut it a little

 

[Peace River]

As a side note, I noticed that you haven't added a skimmer yet. Once the protein that is making the film is agitated into the water column then that is part of what will be removed by your skimmer.

 

[Hallowhead]

As a side note, I noticed that you haven't added a skimmer yet. Once the protein that is making the film is agitated into the water column then that is part of what will be removed by your skimmer.

It's a frag tank so probably no skimmer

 

[Hallowhead]

@Peace River I took the pvc out and trimmed it.... Much MUCH more surface agitation.

 

[Peace River]

@Peace River I took the pvc out and trimmed it.... Much MUCH more surface agitation.

Great! Keep your eyes on it for a little while, you may still need to tweak it but it sounds like you are on track!

 

[Hallowhead]

Great! Keep your eyes on it for a little while, you may still need to tweak it but it sounds like you are on track!

Do you think it's gonna ruin my cycle ?

 

[Peace River]

Do you think it's gonna ruin my cycle ?

I can't think of any reason that surface agitation in your sump should affect your cycle.

 

[Hallowhead]

I can't think of any reason that surface agitation in your sump should affect your cycle.

No I'm talking about the film !!

 

[Peace River]

No I'm talking about the film !!

LOL, I'm sorry I misunderstood your question. The protein film is part of the bio load in the system which is normal. The reason that you want to get rid of the film is that it is not pleasant to look at and it limits the oxygen exchange, but it shouldn't effect your cycle.

 

[Hallowhead]

LOL, I'm sorry I misunderstood your question. The protein film is part of the bio load in the system which is normal. The reason that you want to get rid of the film is that it is not pleasant to look at and it limits the oxygen exchange, but it shouldn't effect your cycle.

What's producing a bioload though? My rock?

 

[Peace River]

What's producing a bioload though? My rock?

What are you doing for your cycle? Did you add any additives? With no circulation or agitation it doesn't take much to form a film on top of the tank.

 

[Hallowhead]

What are you doing for your cycle? Did you add any additives? With no circulation or agitation it doesn't take much to form a film on top of the tank.

I added dry rock / and I am curing it and will eventually added some biospira.