Oily water??!!!

[apistopete]

Hi Folks,

Looking for a little advice if possible as I am fairly new to this

This evening looking in my tank I had noticed an oily looking film on the surface of the water.

The tank is well planted and recently did 10% water change on Sunday. The only additives I use is a capful of "flourish" to help with my live plants. All fish seem to be happy and healthy.

Can anyone help diagnose the myth of the oily looking water and how to prevent it?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Cheers,

Pete

 

[danbb]

This film comes from an excess of proteins. Try to have some water movement at the surface or use a surface skimmer. First I will reduce the food and see what happens. If you have more than just "few" fish, the 10% is low.

 

[gerald]

Yup, proteins and oils from fish food, most likely. Lay a paper towel on the water surface and drag it across to remove the film if it bothers you (and have a bucket ready beside the tank to drop it in). I'm guessing you're using a canister filter or similar device that doesn't stir up the water surface much. With spill-over or air-powered filters you rarely see this film, unless feeding very oily foods. There are also certain algae and bacteria than can form an oil-like surface film.

 

[apistopete]

Thanks guys,

Will try the paper towel trick

I have an eheim internal filter which cycles at double the volume of my aquarium. Would it be worth while adding the attachment which blows the air bubbles into the tank?

I have 12 various tetras in my tank at present to help cycle the tank and build up the "good bacterias" before adding my chosen Apisto's.

I have been feeding them small amounts of flake food but will reduce the quantity and increase the water change amount and see if that helps.

Cheers

 

[JG]

What @gerald said stands true. Have filtration that breaks the water surface regardless if it's sponge air driven filtration, power filters or canisters. Also watch the feeding.

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

Would it be worth while adding the attachment which blows the air bubbles into the tank?

I like a venturi device, and it will also help with surface film.

cheers Darrel

 

[DanielG]

What about in a planted tank with pressurized CO2?

I've got the same situation going on in my 20gal high, but I'm fairly certain I have a green water outbreak going on...

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,
"What about in a planted tank with pressurized CO2?" It will get rid of the film, but you'll get through your CO2 more quickly.

cheers Darrel