Betta Log

[nickijay]

Hello fish friends!

I have a 2.5L tank with a filter that my betta really enjoys with his snail friend. Unfortunately I have this weird oily film on the surface of the water. I was just removing the oil while cleaning the tank so I took the betta log out, however when I put the log back in the oil instantly returned. Has anyone heard of the zoo med floating betta log doing this to them? I am concerned I need to remove the log even though my betta loves it so much.

 

[NoodleCats]

Sunlight you use a betta log. Have you ever had this happen?

 

[fishorama]

I think you floating log holds onto any oils & releases them to the surface. My best technique is to lay a paper towel or even newspaper on the surface to help suck up some of the oils...repeat as needed, maybe twice or 4x/week. Bettas want to be able to breathe at the surface, the oil layer will pretty much prevent that. Fix it!

 

[nickijay]

awesome thanks for your help!!! Have you ever used drift wood in a tank?

 

[NoodleCats]

I use lots of driftwood, what do you want to know?

I boil any first and then use it in the tank. A white film on it is normal the first week or so with new driftwood. Totally normal and healthy, some fish and shrimp and snails will eat it.

 

[fishorama]

I've boiled wood or just soaked for a while (weeks). The oils could be from the betta's food too, it's often high in protein & sometimes fat. Do you have a filter that moves the water surface a little?

 

[Sunlight]

My betta log has not done this to me. I think that everyone has given great advice though

 

[nickijay]

yes I have a filter at the back of the tank! The paper towel ontop to remove the oil seems to be helping to reduce it

 

[nickijay]

NoodleCats when you use driftwood have you ever put a hole in it so the fishies can swim through it? My fish’s name is eggnog you can see him peaking in the pictures

 

[NoodleCats]

Ive never drilled my own driftwood, but i do use some hollow pieces that my loaches love.

There'd be no problem drilling large holes inside for a fish to use as a hideaway. Just be sure all of the sawdust is rinsed off before it is added to the tank.


But i cant get over how cute your guy is in his little barrel. Hes literally just chilling