Ato bucket..

Hey guys quick question.. I currently have my RO/DI water going into a bucket and when my ATO kicks on my pump then pumps the water from the bucket to my sump.. It's actually a 20 gal Rubbermaid Trash can.. I have noticed my water having what looks like oily substance floating on top in the sump return compartment.. Any idea if this can be caused by my current trash can?? If so what kind of can should I get that will be OK for my RO/ DI water to sit in?

 

If the trash can was new and hand washed before use, I would incline to think that this oily build up is from your own hands when you put them in the tank. It happens. Usually the skimmer will pick this up rather quickly and you won't be seeing it for long.

Another thing it could be is that the flow inside your sump is too slow and since your return pump is submerged in water and oil floats, it stays at the top and it is not pulled down by your return pump.

I've experienced both of these problems at some point in my tank.

As a test, you can increase the intake of your return if dialed down to see if that film goes away. It probably is in your DT as well. Turn your power heads off for a few minutes and see if it starts to build up there as well on whichever opposite corner from the overflow.

If you're dosing vodka, vitamin c or any other source of carbon, it could be a bacterial bloom, but in this case the film would be whitish when looked at it from below.

In any case, the skimmer would pick up the oil eventually, providing that flow is enough in all areas for it to be mixed with the water. If dosing, you need to cut down the amount you're dosing in half, and give it some time to dissipate. The skimmer will pick the dead bacteria from the water too.

 

Thanks Magnus. Much appreciated! As far as dosing, I'm not doing any of that atm. From my hands maybe, but very very rarely do my hands hit my water, especially in my DT. I try not to touch my tank period, unless I need to for reg maintenance( water changes/ algae scrubbing etc).. You did mention my return pump not being able to pick it up, this is true, I do have my ATO valve sitting pretty high on my return section so the water lvl sits about 5inchs above the return pump intake. I'll try lowering the ATO valve and let the water sit lower, about an inch or so above the intake and have it get pumped through the system so my skimmer can pick it up.. As for the trash can, I did clean it very well when I first got it about 4 months ago with vinegar and water.. Im also curious about the type of trash can I'm using, in pictures of other tanks/projects or DIY pictures I've seen alot of people using "Brute" trash cans, Just curious why?... come to think of it I don't think I've seen anyone using a Rubbermaid(hint hint to myself)! In retrospect I should have bought a Brute.. None the less thanks for your info, much appreciated!