Dust on the surface of water?

[MattMattBoBatt]

Hey guys, I have a new 10gal which has one betta in it, I have a power filter but I have noticed that a very thin but noticeable film of dust has collected on the surface of the water. The tank has a lid so I'm not sure how it got there, maybe it's particles from the water.

But I was wondering, does anyone know if that is normal or does it mean I need a more powerful filter? Or perhaps my filter is not in the best place? I have it on the side of the tank with the spout just above the water's surface. It's a small 'whisper' filter that uses the small size bio bags.

Thanks very much for any info

[HorrorShowRot]

Are you sure its dust and not a film?

[MattMattBoBatt]

Are you sure its dust and not a film?

Well actually it appears as if there is both, a film that when viewed from below has a rainbow-ish tint to it in the light. But there are also very very tiny particles in the water and on the surface, I'm not sure what it is but it has a dust-like appearance.

I'm trying to take care of the water the best I can but I'm new to fishkeeping so I'm not sure if perhaps I'm doing something wrong. I'm monitoring ammonia and pH levels, right now they seem OK.

Some of the things I've added to the water during the first week:

+ bacteria supplement
+ pH decrease + pH neutralizer (I added the powder neutralizer first but it did not work at all so I had to add pH decrease to try and get the pH to a reasonably close level to 7.0, it was originally way higher)
+ water-safe chlorine neutralizer

I also had to add maracyn because the betta was sick, although the medication is done and he appears much better now.

Just not sure what the particles/film could be and if it means my filter is not powerful enough?

[Lab_Rat]

That's just biofilm, probably from feeding oily foods. You can add airstones to break up the surface film, use a surface skimmer, or simply place a piece of plain paper on the surface to pick up the oils. It's not a big deal.

[Taurus]

That's just biofilm, probably from feeding oily foods. You can add airstones to break up the surface film, use a surface skimmer, or simply place a piece of plain paper on the surface to pick up the oils. It's not a big deal.

Nija'd by LR. thumbs2:

[lahlumdi]

I get that in my 55 gallon tank. Like Lab Rat said, it is a biofilm. No worries. The aquarium takes on its own ecosystem. You should over time get used to the normal aquarium smell of a tank. Then you will also discern when something is wrong, too.

[violet]

Are you doing water changes once a week?.. I skim the surface of our tanks during a water change and it helps.

[MattMattBoBatt]

I skim the surface of our tanks during a water change and it helps.

Okay, thanks again for the advice everyone~