Heavy film on top of water again

D

Dan06

AC Members
Jan 22, 2006
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Hey guys, I made a post a while back about having an oily film at the surface of my water. I've always had some sort of film at the top of my water in every tank I have, but it's the worst it's ever been this time around.

If I shut the filter off for a moment, it breaks off into small clumps and I can scoop out with a cup, but obviously I can't get everything. Once I turn the filter back on, more film appears. It's so heavy that it looks like it may be blocking some light? Not to mention it just doesn't look nice....

I've gravel vacuumed to no end. The tank that is the worst is heavily planted and I religously do atleast a 25% water change every week. It hasn't improved in the slightest bit. My feedings are light, I may even underfeed because I've been trying so hard to not make it worse.

It's a 36g tank and I have a Fluval 305 on it. I am willing to buy equipment if it's needed.
 
I should mention that there is no leaves or rotting plants in the tank either.

I almost think it's coming from the tap, but being stupid like I am, I've never thought of putting water in a bucket and seeing if it shows up.
 
You said it shows up when you turn your filter back on... maybe time to do some filter maintenance?
 
I agree with J. This sounds like something to do with your filter. You could also check your tap water (especially if you have abnormally hard water), and you GH and KH. Good luck.
 
I didn't say it shows up when I turn my filter off. It breaks off into 'clumps' when I shut the filter off. When the filter is running, it is uniform and covers the entire surface.
 
Dan06 said:
If I shut the filter off for a moment, it breaks off into small clumps and I can scoop out with a cup, but obviously I can't get everything. Once I turn the filter back on, more film appears. It's so heavy that it looks like it may be blocking some light? Not to mention it just doesn't look nice....
Click to expand...

The bolded line is what I was referring to. If more film appears when you turn the filter back on, it seems it may have something to do with it. Just trying to help problem solve.
 
Have you got anything in the tank that could be leaching into the water? ... i.e. some rocks can leach an oily residue into the tank and should be removed... some substrates if they weren't marked for aquarium can leach oily residue... same for plastic decoration and such...

I use stuff not marked as aquarium in my tanks after a good cleaning, so I am not condemning the practice. I have read about some people using sand that leaches oily stuff and others using a few types of rock that leach oily stuff.

If it is a decoration, you can just remove it... if on the other hand it turns out to be from your tap you could always add a protein skimmer to get it.
 
protien skimmers dont work in FW. otherwise, just as many people would have them as SW.

it may also be from foods you are feeding. an oily surface can also be a sign of excessive dissolved organic solids, which in turn results from overstocking or lack of water changes.
 
It's just a biofilm. It's harmless and can be reduced with increased surface agitation.
 
jbradt said:
The bolded line is what I was referring to. If more film appears when you turn the filter back on, it seems it may have something to do with it. Just trying to help problem solve.
Click to expand...

I understand, I didn't intend to word it that way, I was trying to sneak in a post while at work. :grinyes:

I meant that when the water is agitated again the remaining clumps spread back out and cover the surface again.

I have aquariumplants.com own substrate in the tank, mixed in with black gravel. I spent some time tonight and removed ALL the film from the surface. I spent a good hour getting it off and cleaning the glass. It's been running for a couple hours and no more film is accumulating. Perhaps it was just so heavy and thick that I wouldn't be able to rid it all without spending a goofy amount of time on it.

I will check back tomorrow morning... I've heard of people using protein skimmers. If it's coming from my tap water...it'll be a never ending gremlin for me. I really don't like the looks of it and it does appear to alter the way the light travels through the water. Is a protein skimmer an option?
 
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