Protein skimmer working properly?

Hi

My tank has been going great, but now I am noticing that there are a LOT of tiny white particles floating in the water. Additionally, there are a bunch of small white particles on the surface as well as film. I cleaned my protein skimmer collector tonight, but I am not seeing any difference. Any thoughts??

Thanks!

 

How long has it been running? The "white particles" may be micro bubbles created by the skimmer itself.

 

...my guess is micro bubbles as well.

Too be 100% sure, try not running the skimmer for 24 hours and seeing if they go away.

 

Are you using an mechanical filtration like sponge, sock, floss?

What type of substrate do you have?

If possible post an image please.

 

The surface sould be disturbed enough to not allow a film to develop.

The white particles could be pods...

 

Thanks for the insight. The skimmer has been running for over a month. It seems like just in the last 2 weeks I have noticed the white particles.

As far as the sponge, are you referring to the sponge the brings in water to the protein skimmer? My protein skimmer hangs on the back and the sponge sits half in the water.

 

What is your calcium level? I am curious if it is 'snowing.'

 

I'm not familiar with your set up, but the film at the surface suggests inadequate surfacing skimming. This is a common problem with HOB set ups (no overflow) and poor surface skimming. I had a similar issue a couple of years ago and added a sump, which cleared the surface film within minutes. The only problem was that I did not account for the increase in light intensity that came when the surface suddenly cleared, which burned some of my corals. If you do fix the issue, I suggest reducing light intensity and gradually ramping it up over a week or two to prevent this problem!

 

Pics definitely help more when trying to diagnose a problem. Do you have any?