Oil slick on surface of water?

Hi guys, I was wondering if anyone else has problems with oil accumulating on the surface of your water? I read that it might be from dipping your arms into the tank while doing water changes, so I started wearing gloves. I also use paper towels to soak up the oil on the surface but it keeps coming back. I can see all the microbubbles trapped on the surface of the water due to the oil. Any ideas on how to prevent it, or what else is causing it? Thanks in advance!

 

Hi anldyxp

Its caused by protien based waste being stuck at water surface (surface tension)

the best way to prevent it, is to have good movement of water at surface, such as 1 power head angled upwards and across surface

that way the protiens get put back into water column and are then removed by skimming if you use a skimmer

Steve

 

Agree 100%, exactly what I did

 

ok gotcha. Thank you Steve. Yeah both of my power heads are angled downwards, I'll try angling one of them higher.

 

So I just moved one of my powerheads deeper into the water, and moved the other one higher and angled it up. So far it looks much much better. Thanks!

 

welcome
once its broken up and dispersed whats there
it will then help to prevent it happening again

Steve

 

Love ur user name

 

I have this problem to. Thanks for the advice!