protein freshwater

Question
Hi,

My name is Patrick and I've had my freshwater 30 gallon set up for about 1-1/2 months now. I use mechanical, biological and chemical filtration through my fluval 304 and I also filter the water through a 9 watt u.v. sterilizer. I have about 8 plants in the aquarium and 2 blue ram cichlids(pretty, colourful, and healthy). I'm aquiring a co2 tank with regulator, solenoid and pinvalve so I can help fertilize the plants and keep the ph at a lower level. The problem is that a film tends to develop at the top of the aquariums surface lately. It can only be seen at a certain angle when the light hits it and I've heard that it is probably protein. I've heard that keeping the ph at an alkaline level it disipates but I'm around 7 -7.2 anyway. It doesn't seem to be a big deal because the water quality other than is real good, but it gets to be anoying to clear away and can develop bacteria (i hear). I was thinking of creating a water fall type filtration method by adding plexy glass to the back corner like in my friends marine tank, but it's alot of effort for something that might not work.

Do you have any suggestions other than cutting back on fatty protein foods.

Answer
Hi Patrick;

It would probably go away if you added bubbles with an airstone. I have had this problem before too and agitation of the surface eliminated it completely. I don't know how it would affect your CO2 injection. It may lower it's effectiveness. CO2 is just not within my expertise.

You may hear people say you need a "protein skimmer", but they really don't work in freshwater tanks. Only tanks with saltwater that develop a foam on top. That may be what your friend has in his.

Good luck...

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins