How to remove a layer of 'oil' on the surface?

**Henry khong** · 29th Jul 2013, 23:55

Hi
I just started a new tank last tues but noticed a layer of 'oil' recently on the surface, can any sifu advice how to remove it?

Thanks

**Berny** · 30th Jul 2013, 00:09

surface Skimmer, lily pipes, water change, or the super old fashion method like how those chef removed the layer of oil from gravy

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**milk_vanilla** · 30th Jul 2013, 06:42

Water surface agitation will reduce major of the oil, such as aeration, lift up your lily pipes to surface, use kitchen paper, or use ADA vuppa (expensive way)

**erwinx** · 30th Jul 2013, 07:39

I just installed the standard black plastic skimmer that most LFS sells ($11-$12). 100% effective but maybe a bit ugly for those who use glassware

**boliaoguy** · 30th Jul 2013, 11:31

Originally Posted by erwinx

I just installed the standard black plastic skimmer that most LFS sells ($11-$12). 100% effective but maybe a bit ugly for those who use glassware

If you fancy other color options, there's actually some white one (taiwanese brand) selling at Seaview. I bought one myself and i personally feel white one looks more presentable in the tank tho algae growth might be an issue after some time.

**Wingless** · 30th Jul 2013, 12:15

I had the same problem (layed oil on water surface) too. It's gone overnight after i moved my lily pipe slightly upwards to water level. The only downside is that my light has some water droplet due to the "splashing" water from the lily pipe outlet.

**Henry khong** · 31st Jul 2013, 08:20

Thanks for the advise. I try with the surface skimmer but the layer of oil still remained. Sighed

**Wingless** · 31st Jul 2013, 10:33

Maybe you can post a picture of how you setup the surface skimmer.

**qngwn** · 31st Jul 2013, 11:04

Surface skimmer replaced the inlet to the canister filter, skims the water from the surface of the water in the tank, removing the oil film in the process.
This goes into the canister for the layer to break down..

**felix_fx2** · 31st Jul 2013, 11:08

you setup the skimmer correctly?

the adjustment thing you should turn it until water starts going in from the top of the skimmer.

**Planetary** · 2nd Aug 2013, 05:12

That happens to me... sometimes I forget I recently applied hand lotion before deciding to root around with my hands in the tank (I know that's a big-no-no!) There is on oil slick on top but I do not do anything. It seems like after 2 or 3 days, it dissipates on its own. One piece of advice, do not feed your fish during this oil slick time as I assume it's not good for them to ingest!

**qngwn** · 2nd Aug 2013, 22:46

besides surface agitation, which might cause mixture of atmospheric air into the tank (loss of co2 if you're injecting it), you can use a lily pipe with a strong flow to create a vortex at the output. this vortex will help to suck the surface scum into the water, removing it from the surface.