What do you guys use to easily clean water scum?

[tiffany]

i don't clean my tank of water scum. but i was wondering since mine has build up, is the magnet cleaner a good one, and does it work without being submerged in water? because my scum is above the water level. thanks

 

[jeff]

A sharp razor blade should work well on the scum above water.

 

[ali]

Hi Tiffany. I just use an algae brush and dip it in the water to wet it and scrub it off. Most of the time I raise the water level so that it covers that and then whipe it off, and then do a water change. Be sure not to use any cleaners or anything like that.

 

[alberto]

Hello Guys
I have this film on the surface of the water. it goes away when I rase the filter to make a water fall affect! Do any of you know what that film on the surface of the water is? My newts do not seem minded. But I worry that the film could hurt them!
I will greatly appreciate your input!

 

[andy]

Hi Alberto, i don't know exactly what the film consists of...i would think it comes from the plants, waste in the water etc. To remove it every now and then i float a sheet of newspaper on the surface for a few seconds, when you take it off it will take off the film with it.

 

[warren]

More than likely it consists of complex organic molecules- proteins and oils/fats although I am not 100% sure on that. Ed might have a better idea.

 

[alberto]

Hello Andy & Warren
Thank you guys for your input! I am glad to see that I am not the only one that has had that problem!
Best wishes to you both!

 

[warren]

Np, Alberto. If you really want to get fancy, you could always invest in a protein skimmer. That removes the scum-causing agents through surface tension filtration.

 

[ian]

An easy solution is to have water flowing on every surface of the tank. I used two filters across eachother at the surface, one horizontal & one vertical on the surface plane. This way, protein wont build up.

 

[bill]

hey old credit cards work without tearing the calk as well as those annoying progressive cards that come in the mail.

(Message edited by beejium on September 29, 2006)