View Full Version : Film on top of betta tank water
WOLFRAD
11-30-2006, 11:03 AM
I set up a couple 5 gallon setups over the weekend and have a female in each one, my question is there is a build up of film over the top of the water and I was wondering how to get rid of it. My tanks are not cycled and of course they have no filter in them.
echoofformless
11-30-2006, 11:05 AM
The film is just a natural result of the water being still, and filling with waste. It happens after a couple of days. Basically, just change the water and it will go away. And then return again when you haven't changed the water in a few days.
wataugachicken
11-30-2006, 11:14 AM
i don't know. . . . maybe get some mini-filters? i'm guessing you don't have heaters either?
Adding something like a small sponge filter that agitates the surface drastically helps. And yes, the tanks should have a heater. There are some very cheap sponge/bubble filters at most pet stores or even WalMart.
WOLFRAD
11-30-2006, 11:21 AM
No I don't have any heaters in them at this time, the temp stays around 72 degrees, would a heater help? How often do I need to do 100% changes of the water and would a partial change everyother time work?
webcricket
11-30-2006, 11:53 AM
Bettas like the temperature warmer at 78-80, so you really need to get some heaters in those tanks to make them comfortable.
Do you have substrate? If you don't have substrate and don't have a filter, you have no place for good bacteria to live and thus need to be doing total or near total water changes at least every 4 to 5 days. That film you describe on the water is dissolved organic matter and indicates a waste build-up. If you get some cheap sponge filters (less than $4 a piece in most stores), you can probably get away with weekly 50-75% water changes.
I don't think that film is dissolved organic matter. I think it's just dust. I have an 80 gallon tank fully cycled and filtered well and I get tons of that stuff every day on the tank.
Reason being it's open-topped.
My other tanks don't get that problem but they are closed tanks =x
Surface skimmers work.
I don't know if there is a surface polisher small enough though.
elvinprince
11-30-2006, 12:11 PM
i have that same problem on my feeder tank, but not my beta tank. neither have filters or heaters, but the beta tank is covered. i think that might have something to do with it too. dust may be a good call.
Well since switching from flake food for my betta to pellet food I have far less surface skum. The only tank I get it in a lot is my large planted tank which has limited surface mov't (due to using a canister filter).
As you have 5 gallon tanks, heaters will be easy to find and really should be added for the best health of the fish.
meyerhaus
11-30-2006, 3:48 PM
Just add a small airstone. Also, the bacterial cycle is not as important for labyrinth breathers like bettas and gouramis. Keep up regular 50% water changes and the occasional 75% change and you should be fine.
NeonJulie
11-30-2006, 4:19 PM
If you believe that NitrItes can block oxygen from being absorbed into the organs, then no matter how they breath, the nitrogen cycle might be an issue.........
CaitxSith
11-30-2006, 4:54 PM
protein film from feeding?
i think i have that on my tank... :huh:
dunno if same happens to yours when you put food in it, it sorta leaves holes in the film and it reforms..
jm1212
11-30-2006, 5:49 PM
you need to get a filter and heater regarless
meyerhaus
12-04-2006, 2:08 PM
If you believe that NitrItes can block oxygen from being absorbed into the organs, then no matter how they breath, the nitrogen cycle might be an issue.........
Agreed; that is why I recommend the frequent water changes. Most breeders use dechlorinated water and do changes 2-3 times per week. For a little tank or bowl, that is usually a 5 minute job.
Personally, I keep 2 identical habitats. When I move the betta into the other bowl, the water is the same temp and has aged several days. They all seem to thrive and it allows you to clean out the other bowl without having to put the betta in another container while you clean.
Marinemom
12-04-2006, 2:15 PM
The film is from not aggitating the surface of the water. If you get a filter and I would also recommend a heater you will see that this problem will disappear. From my experience bettas do not do well in a bowl and why some recommend this is beyond me. They do much better in a filtered and heated tank.
Marinemom
meyerhaus
12-04-2006, 4:17 PM
The film is from not aggitating the surface of the water. I respectfully disagree.
If you get a filter and I would also recommend a heater you will see that this problem will disappear.
It will disappear because the filter will agitate the water. A filter would definately be a plus, but if you keep water changes up at 2 per week, it is not necessary. A heater is also a big plus, unless you can keep them in a warm room. I keep mine under my lamp at work and he gets PLENTY of warmth.