Stagnant water

Thanks inwall, I'll try that...Thanks again!

 

since your tank only been running for a little while, that film could be anything! some of the lubricant they use for preservation or anything, I wouldn't be to concern for the time being.
now if stays there for over a two weeks or so then I start worrying, did you rinse or wash it before you fill it up?

 

I did rinse it...and I did the leak test also...

I presumed perhaps it was part of cycling..like the die off from the uncured LR...

 

it is a good possibility! mine done that also, I think it is must common

 

Do you have a pic? When you say film, different visions come to mind.

A lot of tanks have a sort of clear film on the water surface that's not a problem, for example. More surface agitation can help with that - if it bothers you.

 

No pic...sorry...it's kinda like an oily substance...not a sheet of film...just oily looking...

I suppose it may be the flow too...:::scratching head:::: I haven't got my Hydor yet...figured I didn't need it since cycling takes forever anyway

Well I guess I'll just have to deal with it...

 

Thanks for your replies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

The oily stuff is dissolved protein/waste in the water. That is the stuff that turns into brown froth in a skimmer. Add a surface skimmer (as everyone mentioned) to get it into the filtering protein skimmer chamber. You can also add a powerhear to break the surface water, since it will prevent air exchange in the tank. One thing you can also do is get a sheet or two of paper towel (plain and not scented nor decorated) and lay it on the surface of the water and pull it across the surface to help remove that protein layer. You will have to replace that lost water with saltwater mix though.