Also, fine fiber mechanical filters can help catch a lot of debris. Discard the protein skimmer and use either a new filter for freshwater aquariums or a filter with new pads. A surface skimmer removes floating scum from the top of your aquarium. Try using a protein skimmer in your tank. Step 3: Prune the Plants. While it may look ugly, that oil film in your aquarium shouldn’t give you too much of a headache. I have my spraybar angled slightly at the surface, to give a slight ripple, and my powerhead is angled the same.
One of the biggest causes of cyanobacteria is the presence of organic debris (like left over food, fish waste, etc.) If you keep live aquarium plants, take this time to remove any dead leaves and trim down overgrown foliage. Conclusion. Protein skimmers may be more effective than a regular filter at removing these materials from the tank's water. By effectively removing protein and other organic waste materials, protein skimmers maintain a healthy aquarium environment. I don't want too much surface disturbance, since I inject CO2. PROTEIN SKIMMERS ARE SUPPLEMENTAL FILTRATION DEVICES ESSENTIAL FOR SUCCESSFUL MARINE AQUARIUMS. Keep algae under control by regularly removing it and balancing the lighting and nutrient levels in your aquarium. On my 120g planted, I've developed a nice protein film at the surface. in the water column. Get "polishing" pads. Protein skimmers allow the primary filtration system to perform more efficiently and also provide numerous other benefits for superior water quality …
When you're sure the tank and accessories are clean and well-rinsed to remove all traces of vinegar and bleach, assemble the freshwater aquarium. A protein skimmer uses bubbles to remove unwanted gunk from under water and is typically only used in saltwater aquariums. Add new gravel to the tank bottom, replace the accessories, and add water. Plants can use up some proteins, as can freshwater clams (need fed too though).

Some chemical filtration can help as well, just replace regularly.