Don't know what to tell you about the torch but can comment on the surface skum. I don't get it on any of my big tanks but do get it on my 12g nano. I am positive it is a collection of proteins on the surface as all of my large tanks are overskimmed and have lots of flow. My nano, even though I have a low bioload is not skimmed at all and has OK flow but not lots. To control this more I have stepped up to 2 times a week water changes. I still get a little bit but not much at all. IMO it is a sign of a tank that either needs more water changes or a better skimmer.
