Film On Top Of Water In One Tank?

[Sapphelah]

Tank size: 10 Gal
pH: 7.8 (dropped in a "correct pH tab this morning upon discovery of film)
ammonia:0
nitrite:0
nitrate:10
kH:180
gH:150
tank temp:78

Fish Symptoms (include full description including lesion, color, location, fish behavior): The fish themselves seem perfectly fine, the water is doing it this time.

Volume and Frequency of water changes: 25% every two weeks, last one was this past Monday

Chemical Additives or Media in your tank: Aquasafe (only for water changes or fish changes) We have added a correct pH tablet this morning

Tank inhabitants: 5 Zebra Danios, 1 common Pleco (pleco is temporary)

Recent additions to your tank (living or decoration): Pleco has been in there 1 week

Exposure to chemicals: From last Friday through Sunday we used melafix & pimafix, as it is our hospital tank, and someone was ill (but didn't make it) 25% water change followed this treatment

We fed them yesterday, all was fine, woke this morning to a semi-opaque film over the top of the water, except where the water comes out from the filter. Can't figure out why or how to get rid of it...Any ideas or suggestions?

 

[backtotropical]

Sounds like its most likely came from your substrate. Increase surface agitation. That normally works for me.

 

[Sapphelah]

my filter on that one is not adjustable and I'm beyond broke, what can I do?

I forgot to mention, it had a filter media change on Tuesday

 

[Tolak]

A film on the water surface is usually caused by protein in the food. It really is no big deal, increase surface movement, and blot it off with a paper towel.

I get this on tanks with fry pretty often, they get fed heavily, and are pretty heavily stocked. Potential breeder's tanks have it nearly all the time, as do breeders. These are the ones that get fed the heaviest.

 

[xxBarneyxx]

It is most likely nothing to worry about. My tank has a film over it too and everywhere I have read said its fine and pretty common (especially in newer tanks). if it is a thicker slimy film though then it is a type of algae.

 

[Sapphelah]

ok. wanted to make sure it wasn't like a warning sign or something.

 

[backtotropical]

If you know anyone who has a protein skimmer (used for marine setups) that would cure the problem pretty quick.

 

[nukeonekitty]

Another pretty easy way to get rid of it is to take a cup or bowl and push it into the water (bottom first) and push it down will equal pressure on both sides and let the water pour in from all sides. This will take surface water off.