Scum on water surface

Just wondering what might cause the water surface of my DT to get a oil slick like film on the surface. The best way to describe it is a snot like substance floating on the surface, good size chunks an gobs. I put my filter sock in my sump, to see if that helps. I also increased my return to my sump by opening the gate valve on the drain as much as I could without breaking full siphon.

 

Its protein. Surface agitation and a protein skimmer is a fix

 

Sounds like protein, except I haven't heard of GOBS of it. A protein skimmer, which I think you have, and then aim a powerhead towards the surface to agitate it. Matt or Steve actually said to lay paper towels on the surface to soak it up. Haven't tried that one, but may work!

 

Watch it. They said A4 plain paper, not towels.

 

Watch what? I've heard it numerous times! Nana said it didn't work, and I haven't tried it, just throwing an option out

 

You said paper towels lol

 

Yea I did say paper towels cause that's what I was told too. But they/I were wrong!! It's actually *paper* minus the towel Something called A4 paper.

 

+1^^^ everythingtp they said, and in addition to that. There is this great tool in the upper rig hand corner of this window.....it's called a search engine. It is quite effective and assisting you with searching for questions/answers that have been asked many, many times. Would save you having to wait for responses as well. Just a thought.

Here is just one such example:

http://www.3reef.com/search/?cx=par...earch.php?searchid=1380192&ref=www.3reef.com/

 

I have a built in overflow and when the flow through the slots get restricted by algae growth my tank starts building up a protein skim on the surface. Cleaning the algae out of the overflow slots solves the problem.

 

Thanks for the input and suggestions. I believe the problem/culprit is my protein skimmer. Just trying to dial it in. I have a flow accelerator on the end of my return pipe outlet, its pointed at the surface. I also have two powerheads in the tank.