Thin layer of protein (scum looking)

sardesign

AC Members
Sep 28, 2005
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Phoenix, AZ
I was wondering if anyone had any solutions to the thin layer of scum that builds up in a planted tank. I think it's a buildup of protein... so would a certain type of fish help in this endeavor? I don't want to disturb the surface with a powerhead because i'll lose massive amounts of CO2. Any ideas?
 
i think livebearers eat it. its the reaon they peck like crazy at goldfish.get a surface skimmer . you can make your own. there is an article on how to make on here
 
I have 2 black mollies just for eating that scum. They go crazy for that stuff. Another thing you might want to try is mount a power head upside down with the intake at the surface of the water. It sucks in the muck and chops it up into the water. Alternatively you can connect a tube directly from the power head output and into a hob filter. I used the latter for a while and it litterally cleared the surface in under a minute!
 
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