Gross Biofilm?

[Tellie-Vision]

Looking for help on how to deal with this disgusting biofilm. I don’t even want to put my hands in the tank anymore, because when I do (or when I put anything in the tank, for that matter) they come out covered in these disgusting brown specks of stuff. It’s been a problem since around the time I got and beat dinos. I do have a protein skimmer running but I am unable to control the air flow (due to a missing part that apparently no one sells replacements for) so idk if maybe that is why? The picture kinda sucks but this is the worst it has ever been, it may not look like it but it does cover the entire surface of the water.

Additionally I have been having some issues with my pump (or, more like, the electricity in my apartment) bc every time I shut off the ATO and turn it back on, the pump suddenly stops running at full power which ruins the flow. I have no idea why this happens, it happens regardless of the outlet I use also.

I am just curious for opinions on what this biofilm might be caused by and how I can fix it. Any input is appreciated bc I am sick of my arms getting covered in it 🫩

 

[biophilia]

I can't tell from the photo, but it may by cyano mats forming, detaching, and floating on the surface.

Regardless, I'd recommend focusing on increasing your flow quite a bit and running activated carbon to lower DOC.

What is your current nitrate and phosphate levels? If the molar ratio between the two gets too out-of-wack it could be fueling cyano growth.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Can you turn off the blues and leave only the white lights on? Can’t see anything on this pic thanks

 

[KrisReef]

What skimmer? Maybe someone here can help locate the part you need?

 

[Tellie-Vision]

I can't tell from the photo, but it may by cyano mats forming, detaching, and floating on the surface.

Regardless, I'd recommend focusing on increasing your flow quite a bit and running activated carbon to lower DOC.

What is your current nitrate and phosphate levels? If the molar ratio between the two gets too out-of-wack it could be fueling cyano growth.

Can you turn off the blues and leave only the white lights on? Can’t see anything on this pic thanks

Here’s a little bit better of a picture I used my Orphek lenses this time and for comparison, I have this stuff in my refugium:

To be honest I haven’t done a water test in a while as I have been struggling with my chronic illnesses recently, but I will do one tomorrow. My nitrates generally though are 15-20, it’s usually phosphates that is the issue and I have a feeling it’s because of my well water/the RODI must not be taking it all out. Out of the tap it’s 0.5, but phosphate in my tank was at like 0.2 last time I checked. Honestly I don’t try to lower it anymore bc last time I did I almost killed my entire tank and ended up with dinos. I will replace my carbon though, your reply reminded me that the bag I have in right now is probably used up

 

[Tellie-Vision]

What skimmer? Maybe someone here can help locate the part you need?

It’s a sicce shark skimmer 150. Unfortunately I’ve already asked here for help and didn’t really get any responses

 

[KrisReef]

Ahh, the "silencer" / air control valve.

 

[biophilia]

If your nitrates are 15-20, your phosphates are probably fine in that range. I'd aim for 0.4-0.5 meq/L phosphate level for a N:P molar ratio of 50ish, but it's not worth chasing numbers too much there.

It really just looks like cyano mats. Possibly just feeding off of detritus accumulating on the surface of the chaeto in the refugium and then maybe getting spit into the display where it is floating on the surface because of a lack of surface agitation/surface skimming/or general flow.

Use a cup to skim as much as you can off the surface of the display, pull out the ball of chaeto and shake it off really well in a separate bucket of tank water to remove accumulated detritus, and then do a big (say, 25%) water chance. I'd bet your issues will be dramatically reduced after that.