Oil slick

[scar79]

I'm in a bit of a predicament here. A lubricating oil from a utility pump has found its way into a friends reef. It's all over the sump and in dead spots on the surface of the display. It's making the skimmer go bonkers to the point where we can't run it. There are three socks on the system that don't seem to be doing anything. Ideas?

[FishBo]

Run lots of carbon, turn the skimmer back on, & make sure there is good agitation at the top of the surface using a power head. I would also be doing daily water changes of at least 20% until it is all gone.

[jr999]

Since the slick is contained in the dead spots on the surface you could try laying a paper towel on the slick to absorb the oil and lift out. Also you could try to siphon the surface by bringing the end of the hose up from below the water surface and sucking out the oil.

Only thing I could suggest for the sump is to drain and wipe down the sump and equipment with vinegar and water a few times.

[jinks]

you could do a water change and put the hose into a cup that is just under the surface. That should skim water off the top like a surface skimmer. Just have to keep lowering it with the water line.