Film on the water

**aholmes777** · 04-20-2010, 08:29 PM

Hello everyone.

My friend has a problem in his tropical tank. On the surface of the water there is a milky grey colored film that looks horrible.

I too once had this on my tank, and didn't know what it was i did everything to get rid off it but in the end nothing worked and after me skimming it off every day it went away eventually. I figure it was something to do with what was in the water, too much of something, but i dunno.

Any way i was wondering what this is and why it is caused, and how to get rid off it, so i can help him out if i can.

The water params are fine, and i have told him to agitate the surface of the water to see if it goes away.

but now am lost. so any help will be great

thankyou

Johnny

**rich311k** · 04-20-2010, 08:32 PM

It generally is proteins and oils found in foods and additives. A little surface agitation and a bit less food should solve the problem.

**aholmes777** · 04-20-2010, 08:43 PM

ok, i knew it would be something like that. thanks Rich, i told him to get a good surface agitation going before, so it should be ok.

**Northernguy** · 04-20-2010, 08:48 PM

That film can be removed by doing a water change.
Another way is to drag an open sheet of paper towel over the surface.It takes a few sheets! lol

**Mith** · 04-21-2010, 12:44 AM

I too have a very faint "slick" in my tank. I even aim the spraybar up to agitate the surface water but it never seems to go away. My tanks cycled so I figured that it had to be fod related. Doesn't seem to bother the fish....or at least they've never mentioned it to me lol.

**Northernguy** · 04-21-2010, 01:39 AM

Originally Posted by Mith

I too have a very faint "slick" in my tank. I even aim the spraybar up to agitate the surface water but it never seems to go away. My tanks cycled so I figured that it had to be fod related. Doesn't seem to bother the fish....or at least they've never mentioned it to me lol.

They don't make noises like dogs, cats and birds!

**Mith** · 04-21-2010, 01:43 AM

Originally Posted by Northernguy

They don't make noises like dogs, cats and birds!

And this useful info is exactly why I joined AC lol

**Northernguy** · 04-21-2010, 01:48 AM

Its a good thing then!lol
I can imagine just what they would be saying to you!
I have to imagine it!lol That kind of talk ain't allowed on the AC!

**SunSchein89** · 04-21-2010, 03:14 AM

Just started noticing the same thing in my 10 gal planted. I must admit I overfeed a bit to make sure my dwarf frog and dwarf puffer get food since I barely ever see them eat and my betta loves to eat all the extra blood worms on the gravel so I figured this had something to do with it. It's just annoying to see after making sure everything else in the tank is going good, but I guess it's harmless. It just looks ugly/oily and gets on my nerves.