White film on betta tank

[joylynn]

I recently moved my betta from a 1G to a 5G. the tank is cycled, ammonia - 0, Nitrite - 0, Nitrate 5-10 (I have live plants in the tank) I have a small HOB Whisper filter that agitates the water, but I still have a whitish film on the surface. I use a paper towel to try and skim it off almost daily, but it always comes back. I did a search of the forums here and found several articles stating you need to agitate the water to remove it, but I see the water rippling on the top of my tank. I also noticed that almost all the posts are for betta tanks, does anyone know why the betta tanks are susceptible to this? I never had a problem with the 1G tank, but it had and undergravel filter with the airstone running so maybe I need to add an airstone to the 5G?

Can anyone explain what this really is and how to get rid of it? I keep getting scummy little pieces of whatever it is all over my test tubes when I test my water, really annoying! :help:

 

[liv2padl]

it's a protein scum which is derived from the food you are using to feed the betta. since bettas don't appreciate alot of water movement in their environment, it's not easy to impart enough surface agitation to eliminate this surface scum completely ... but that's the solution.

 

[echoofformless]

If it's protein scum, then you might be overfeeding. Bettas (and most other fish) don't even need to be fed everyday...nor do they need any more than two or three pellets/flakes at a time.

It could also be from using a dechlorinator that contains aloe or some other "slime coat" additive. If you're using something like Stress Coat or Prime to dechlorinate the water, try changing to one that doesn't contain that stuff like AmQuel+ or what not.

It could also be your source water.

It could also be from the substrate...the plants....