Can not figure out this mess update with pics?

I have adjusted my power heads to flow front and to the middle/top. I now see a white coating on the surface do to the flow does anyone know what this is. Is it just sand and is this why my water is not clear and looks like snow. I have add some pics hope someone can help.

 

the stuff on the surface is usually organic compounds, oils, and other nasty stuff that your skimmer usually takes care of. You may not have enough surface agitation, although looking at your pics, it looks like your surface agitation isn't that bad. What type of filter do you run, if any? How old is your tank?

 

I don't see how all of that stuff on the top doesn't get pulled into your corner overflow. Is it hooked up to a sump?

 

I run a 20gal diy sump with a Pro clear skimmer I have an eheim 1262 pushing back into dt. The tank has been up for about 4 months. I can adjust my powerheads or even the return pipe to move the surface more. Do you think the powerheads are in the right spot?

 

The surface was not like this into I moved my powerheads they seem to be pushing the water against each other.

 

I would have the powerhead on the left side by the skimmer pointing level or slightly downwards and have the powerhead on the right pushing upwards, directing water towards the overflow wall. I still don't see why that film is on top. What is the skimmer rated for and what size is your tank?

 

my tank is 90gal the skimmer is rated for up to 120gal my skimmer seems to be pulling out alot of junk. Any thoughts on the poor clarity of my water lot of stuff moving around? Thanks Matt

 

Hi mm, in a 90 gal. you could use a little more flow. Most aquariums are under manned as far as flow. I have a 55 gal. and as you can see in the picture I have a Koralia nano, a 4 and a 3 plus the returns. I would move at least one of the ones you have closer to the top as already mentioned and maybe think about adding at least one more say #4.

 

Your return line is diverting the water down directly infront of the overflow – the result is the inability to skim the surface of the water. I would suggest you reverse its direction (to the right or back side of your tank) and let the water circulate around the tank and finally to the overflow and it will skim correctly.

 

You need to be playing with the return line flow and direction of power heads so that there are no "dead spots" on the surface and everything goes into the overflow box. I've had the same problem, as many people probably have. It's all about getting the flow just right.