biofilm problems

m00se · 01-15-2013, 04:43 PM

marsilea minuta!!!

Waters · 01-21-2013, 07:25 PM

I re-installed the Tom's Surface skimmer that I had previously installed (and removed due to it being so large and unsightly in a 26g). I modified it by removing the ugly black hose and replacing it with clear tube. Works great....the surface is perfectly clear and has been since installing it. I was also able to hide it with my swords. It makes no noise and works perfectly...couldn't be happier

**sundragon** · 01-24-2013, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waters

I re-installed the Tom's Surface skimmer that I had previously installed (and removed due to it being so large and unsightly in a 26g). I modified it by removing the ugly black hose and replacing it with clear tube. Works great....the surface is perfectly clear and has been since installing it. I was also able to hide it with my swords. It makes no noise and works perfectly...couldn't be happier

Pictures? :-)

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

clau74 · 01-25-2013, 12:17 PM

Hi,
A skimmer is very good, but when using pressurized CO2 is not recommended.
I have not completely escaped the biofilm, now use an air stone.

supergreeneye · 01-25-2013, 11:52 PM

will it hurt the fish i have some i just did a water change and and moved my spray bar to the top to move the water and it diddint help i might try the air stone thingif i wont hurt anything ill let it be

iRun · 01-31-2013, 03:23 AM

I'm convinced that substrate plays a role in surface film.

I have 4 planted tanks: 2 with gravel, 2 with black eco-complete. Both tanks with eco-complete have a serious surface film problem. All of my tanks have anubias, java fern, and crypts. One tank that has a surface film problem has a cannister, the other has an overflow type filter (fluval spec tank).

I use a surface skimmer in conjunction with my cannister filter and it takes care of the surface film. I haven't worked out a solution for the 5 gallon spec. I've tried putting a piece of plastic along the overflow slots, creating a waterfall effect into the back filter portion but it doesn't really do anything.

Waters · 01-31-2013, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sundragon

Pictures? :-)

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Here you go.......

clau74 · 02-01-2013, 04:35 AM

Hi,
The shimmer is connected to external filter. There are other skimmer that connects to the air?
His efficiency is very good?

Waters · 02-01-2013, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clau74

Hi,
The shimmer is connected to external filter. There are other skimmer that connects to the air?
His efficiency is very good?

Yes, the skimmer is connected to an external filter. The effiency is outstanding....I have zero film on the surface since installing (several weeks now). I don't believe there are any freshwater surface skimmers that connect to an air pump but I could be wrong. Saltwater protein skimmers operate based on a column of fine air bubbles but they won't work properly in freshwater aquariums.

Mattymo92 · 02-20-2013, 12:49 AM

This is what worked for me... but imagine that for a high-tech tank it may cause you to loose co2 from the surface agitation... I could be wrong though, I'm new to planted tanks.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=12703

- Matt M.

Mattymo92 · 02-20-2013, 12:50 AM

Oh someone beat me to it lol

Zorfox · 02-20-2013, 02:20 AM

Excluding chemical contaminants the biofilm is usually protein based. If the protein levels are high enough a foam can be produced with surface agitation. The other common cause is Eisenbacteria (iron bacteria). A simple test (not full proof) is to put your finger into the film. In the case of protein it will not be repelled by your finger. The bacterial form will be repelled. If you really want to know if the foam is protein based you can do a Biuret test. The solution can be purchased online if your'e seriously curious. lol

The link to phosphates is probably from reef aquarium keeping. The protein skimmers used in saltwater also remove organic phosphates which lead to algae blooms. The organic form of these phosphates are not the same as we use as nutrients.

nelson23 · 02-25-2013, 05:43 PM

I have been using the Tom surface skimmer for a couple of months. I have not noticed any difference in my CO2 levels with using the TOM. Still have great CO2 levels and great growth but no surface film. In my experience surface agitation does not change CO2 if it is mild.

01-25-2013, 12:17 PM	#34
clau74 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Mangalia , Romania Posts: 134	Hi, A skimmer is very good, but when using pressurized CO2 is not recommended. I have not completely escaped the biofilm, now use an air stone. __________________ If you want to be achieve something in life, work hard... nothing comes for free!

02-01-2013, 04:35 AM	#38
clau74 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Mangalia , Romania Posts: 134	Hi, The shimmer is connected to external filter. There are other skimmer that connects to the air? His efficiency is very good? __________________ If you want to be achieve something in life, work hard... nothing comes for free!

02-20-2013, 02:20 AM	#42
Zorfox Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (4/100%) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 436	Excluding chemical contaminants the biofilm is usually protein based. If the protein levels are high enough a foam can be produced with surface agitation. The other common cause is Eisenbacteria (iron bacteria). A simple test (not full proof) is to put your finger into the film. In the case of protein it will not be repelled by your finger. The bacterial form will be repelled. If you really want to know if the foam is protein based you can do a Biuret test. The solution can be purchased online if your'e seriously curious. lol The link to phosphates is probably from reef aquarium keeping. The protein skimmers used in saltwater also remove organic phosphates which lead to algae blooms. The organic form of these phosphates are not the same as we use as nutrients. Last edited by Zorfox; 02-20-2013 at 02:32 AM.. Reason: added phosphate explanation

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01-15-2013, 04:43 PM	#31
m00se Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (4/100%) Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 1,282	marsilea minuta!!!

01-21-2013, 07:25 PM	#32
Waters Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 54	I re-installed the Tom's Surface skimmer that I had previously installed (and removed due to it being so large and unsightly in a 26g). I modified it by removing the ugly black hose and replacing it with clear tube. Works great....the surface is perfectly clear and has been since installing it. I was also able to hide it with my swords. It makes no noise and works perfectly...couldn't be happier

01-25-2013, 11:52 PM	#35
supergreeneye Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: las vegas Posts: 96	will it hurt the fish i have some i just did a water change and and moved my spray bar to the top to move the water and it diddint help i might try the air stone thingif i wont hurt anything ill let it be

01-31-2013, 03:23 AM	#36
iRun Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 123	I'm convinced that substrate plays a role in surface film. I have 4 planted tanks: 2 with gravel, 2 with black eco-complete. Both tanks with eco-complete have a serious surface film problem. All of my tanks have anubias, java fern, and crypts. One tank that has a surface film problem has a cannister, the other has an overflow type filter (fluval spec tank). I use a surface skimmer in conjunction with my cannister filter and it takes care of the surface film. I haven't worked out a solution for the 5 gallon spec. I've tried putting a piece of plastic along the overflow slots, creating a waterfall effect into the back filter portion but it doesn't really do anything.

02-20-2013, 12:49 AM	#40
Mattymo92 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Maryland Posts: 52	This is what worked for me... but imagine that for a high-tech tank it may cause you to loose co2 from the surface agitation... I could be wrong though, I'm new to planted tanks. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=12703 - Matt M.

02-20-2013, 12:50 AM	#41
Mattymo92 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Maryland Posts: 52	Oh someone beat me to it lol

02-25-2013, 05:43 PM	#43
nelson23 Newbie (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 3	I have been using the Tom surface skimmer for a couple of months. I have not noticed any difference in my CO2 levels with using the TOM. Still have great CO2 levels and great growth but no surface film. In my experience surface agitation does not change CO2 if it is mild.