Organic Load I think....

[pmoyniha]

Just when you think you have this stuff figured out you get another curveball.

Well I noticed for a little while that the bubbles created from my filter were not going away. In fact they were creating a thin foam pocket around the outlet of my aquaclear. I had a fish die a couple days ago, but I took it out and did a 40% water change and yet the bubbles now persist. There is definately a layer of some sort of oil or hydrophobic particles on the top of the water but where is it coming from? My gravel is clean, The filter is functioning as per normal.. I don't know where it is coming from?

Any ideas?
Pat

 

[gadazobe]

Probably too much food - I get that sometimes when I overfeed the fish. It's easy to get rid of by soaking it up with a paper towel, or using a cup help just under the surface of the water - acts like a mini whirlpool and the top layer gets pulled into the glass. Maybe the food you're using is oily - try changing brands.

 

[pmoyniha]

Hmm didnt think about the food, but it seems likely that that is the cause as there is nothing else contributing to it. I'll look inot that. Thanks!

Pat

 

[Lithril]

Another thing which can cause it is the water conditioner you're using.

 

[pmoyniha]

To get rid of chlorine etc. I use Aqua Plus by Nutrafin. It appears to do its thing pretty well, but I have nothing to compare it to. I also use a liquid fertilizer for my plants, but when I pour that in I can see it sink into the water which suggests that it is very water soluble.