Help..... Foam On Top Of Water

[itz_mmci]

Hello All:

I am a new fish owner. I have a 10 gallon tank with 4 guppies. I just started my tank a few days ago. Problem... I have a lot of foam on the top of my water. I let my tank run for two days before adding the fish and the foam was there before I added them. If someone could help me I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks.

 

[Holly9937]

do you have test kits for the tank? The foam is probably not a problem. However you are cycling with fish, which requires a little work. Look in the article section at the top of the page and read the cycling articles to understand the process if you don't already, it should help out alot.

Other than water conditioner/dechlorinator are you adding any chemicals to the tank? Did you wash it or anything in it with soap?

 

[anonapersona]

what is on your hands?

Often we forget what we have put on our hands prior to putting a hand into the tank.... hair gell, hand lotion, sunscreen, perfume, mosquito repellant -- all various degrees of bad to worse.

Wash your hands and be sure to remove all traces of soap. I try to do all fish tank work in the morning before I've messed with hair products and other lotions.

 

[itz_mmci]

No I do not have test kits. I will buy them. I do make sure that my hands are clean before I put them in the tank. I only used hot water to clean the tank and rinsed everything well before putting it in. I will give the testing a try and see what that turns up. The only thing that I can think that I did differently was when I first started I did add water conditioner. I think it is called Aqua Clear. Could that be the problem as well? Thanks.

 

[Xielos]

Unless you put in a massive ammount, AquaClear wouldn't make your water foam. I think its 1 teaspoon for 10 gallons. Putting in a little extra won't hurt at all, so if you accidentaly used too much I wouldn't worry about it. If you're that worried about it, do a water change, say 20%.

As for a test kit, go get this one, its has all the basics you need. You also won't find it anywhere cheaper than at Big Al's.

 

[Roan Art]

Don't forget to wash your arms!

Before I do any fish stuff, I wash my hand and arms with a good anti-bacterial soap, rinse WELL, really well! Then I wash them again with vinegar and a small soft scrub brush. Lemon juice works well too.

The vinegar or lemon juice makes sure all the soap and junk is off your hands and arms and residue from either of those won't hurt your fishes.

Remember not to clean any part of your tank with Windex or anything like that. This includes the outside parts as well -- glass too. Use an aquarium safe product or vinegar and water.

Roan