Surface Algae Issue

[DevUK]

Hey all. I seem to have a problem with a fairly thick film on the surface of my tank. Now, ornidarily I'd assume its your standard surface scum but when I dip something into the water (my hand/scraper etc) it comes out coated with a green film which I assume is algae.

I'm just getting over some hair algae which Flourish Excel has beaten down to virtually nothing. I also have some small patches of what I believe is brown brush algae.

I'm starting a new ferts regime (see my other thread) so hoping to get a hold of the alage problems. I just wondered if there is a specific way I can target this nasty film of "stuff" floating about on the surface?

 

[George Farmer]

It's common in planted tanks. Trying increasing surface agitation, but you may need to boost CO2 to compensate. Floating foods contribute too, as does general overfeeding.

Some fish like to eat it. Platies and mollies can do a good job.

You can physically remove it using paper towels.

 

[ICEEGRL]

I have started using cotton balls in a fish net. You put in the cotton balls and use the net like you would if it were old leaves or something. It is a fairly good temp fix if the problem isn't too bad.

 

[DevUK]

Cheers guys

It's started to break up again, but its swings and roundabouts I guess.

 

[Waterloo Kid]

I have this problem and use a piece of wood to remove it. Cut a 50mm wide piece of wood slightly longer than the width of the tank. Place the wood in the water so it stretches from one wall of the tank to the opposite side, width-ways. To do this the wood will need to be at an angle as it's slightly longer than the tank is wide. The wood should be half in and half out of the water (ie. 25mm in and 25mm out). Keeping the ends of the wood loosely in contact with the sides of the tank draw the wood from one side of the tank to the other, ensuring that the wood always remains half in and half out of the water and touches both sides of the tank. Near the other end of the tank try to straighten the wood out a little so it jams (lightly) against the sides of the tank. It should stay in place when you let go. Now, using a pint glass, or similar, skim off the surface water. The concentrated scum should be easy to remove. Once finished simply remove the wood.

Hope that makes some sense!

WK