Clear layer forming on top of cycling tank

[Millama109]

Hi all!
I started cycling a new tank recently and found a clear layer form on top of the water. It looks to stick to the glass as well. Ive used this tank before and the only thing new is an artificial plant. The decor is the same.
Not sure what caused this and how to stop it.

 

[Colin_T]

Do a big water change using dechlorinated water, and or use a piece of paper towel to soak it up.

 

[Ram419]

What Colin_T said, and more surface aggitation will help keep it from forming.

 

[CaptainBarnicles]

It's a protein film and it's mostly caused by over feeding foods that have more fats and oils in it. The paper towel trick will remove it but to keep it away, change what and how much you're feeding and increase the surface movement, you can lift the filter outlet to return water from above the surface or you could get a bubbler

 

[Millama109]

Just for more information, this is currently a fishless tank. I am cycling the tank to prep.

 

[Aqua67]

I have a floating plant corral (ring) to hold my floaters in one place and it gets a film on the surface in the circle. I have a bubbler in the tank and an AquaClear 50 filter, but the tank is an open top tank. I live on a dirt road and it seems that road dust gets into the house and covers things. Just like dusting other surfaces in my house, the water surface on my open top aquarium is no different. I do take a paper towel and set it over the surface and then pull it up and it takes the floating dust with it.