Oily Slick on Surface of new tank

[pulpracer]

I have a 12g Nano Cube that I'm using for freshwater. The tank has been up and running for about two weeks. It has a few fish, one of which came from another tank I was replacing. In addition I have substrate from the previous tank.

BUT - I have an oily slick building up in the tank on the surface. It's primarily concentrated in the filter pump chamber in the back (there are three chambers in the back one has filter sponges, the next has ceramic rings, bio balls and a carbon bag, the third is empty except for the pump). But there is also a good bit of it on the surface of the water in the tank itself. Does anyone know where it's from and how I can get rid of it? It doesn't seem to have any kind of negative impact on the fish.

RJ Thomas

[duke33]

try laying a paper towel on it for a couple seconds.

[pulpracer]

But that seems so simple. Surely there's a much more complicated and costly solution.

;-)

Thanks!

[williedee]

what color is it?

[THE V]

If it's oil its probably from your fish food. What type are you feeding and how much?

[mellowvision]

I find that even when I feed very little, I get the slick.

[Beasts]

But that seems so simple. Surely there's a much more complicated and costly solution.

;-)

Thanks!

You want cheap!! Use a piece of newspaper instead of the paper towel. Works just as well and doesn't cost a cent. :)
Disturbing the surface of the water will help prevent the film from forming. If you can, as an example, direct the output of your filter across the water's surface.
Beasts

[pulpracer]

I've been using flake to feed.

[AndiPants]

make sure that your filter is causing enough aggitation on the water surface, the oily slick can be a sign that stagnant water (like beasts said). move your output head upwards or lower the water line slightly to cause more disturbance. if it is this, it can trap harmful stuff in the tank and also deplete the water of oxygen. still easy to fix though!