Red Biofilm on surface water?

[MichaelReefer]

I looked over at my tank tonight and noticed there is a red/brown biofilm resting on the surface. Its almost like a solid. I adjusted my pumps and its basically just stirring it around? I've never seen or experienced anything like this before in like eight years of reefing? Has anyone seen this before? I cant really get a good picture of it. Its like chunky looking? Its also on the glass at the water level line?

It almost looks like cyano but on surface?

 

[Reef Jedi]

I’ve seen stuff like this before back in the day. I bet it’s a bacteria film. More surface agitation usually takes care of it.

 

[MichaelReefer]

I’ve seen stuff like this before back in the day. I bet it’s a bacteria film. More surface agitation usually takes care of it.

Hmmm ok. Yeah it has a cyano like look...but its odd because I have no surface cyano.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

IMO nothing should settle on the water surface, if a film layer is developing on the surface it means there is not enough surface agitation. Aim one of your powerheads to the surface to create agitation and ripples, get that stuff mixed into the water so your filtration can filter it out. Laying on the water surface like that cuts some light penetration and also cuts gas exchange. Good surface agitation helps oxygenate the water. Basically a flat water surface is not good.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Do you have a powerhead or return pump that is causing surface agitation?

 

[MichaelReefer]

Do you have a powerhead or return pump that is causing surface agitation?

I do, I adjusted flow and went home to take the dog home for lunch and it appears most is still just stirring around on the surface... It looks very much like Cyano, but I have none on anything in the tank. Just sitting in the biofilm at the surface. I have never seen this before and cannot find anything on it online.

 

[exnisstech]

Not sure what it is but if you're getting a film on the water surface you need more flow up top IMO