SCUM!!

[franky]

I have just set a small tank up to cycle before moving my sword fry in, I have used cuttings from the main tank and 2/3part water from the main tank. I main problem is the gravel, I have brought new gravel, cleaned it the best i could but now the tank has settled there is a slight film on the top of the water, looks almost like dust, any ideas on how i can remove this with out starting all over again?



Ps Just like to say a big thankyou to all you guys/gals who share the passion for fish, As a new guy youve provided me with some excellent info that have kept my fish happy!!!

 

[babyfish]

Get some nice strong kitchen towels on a roll and lay the towl flat on the water then lift it towards you to remove the scum,repeat as needed until scum is gone

 

[smileandnod]

I have the same on two of my tanks, and I have been informed it is a form of blue green algae. It feeds on excess protein in the water. The only way I was able to get rid of it in an older tank, was to use a bubblestone to unsure the surface tension was broken up.

The algae is not harmful to freshwater fish, but is deadly to saltwater, which I believe is one good reason marine setups use a protein skimmer.

Of course, I may of been missinformed, but I certainly trust my source.

Ian.

 

[franky]

Cheers babyfish, all sorted,

It wasnt algue it was dust that i was unable to wash out of the gravel that had settled ontop of the tank, sorry if i wasnt clear smileandnod

 

[crazie.eddie]

The film is undissolved proteins. You basically don't have enough surface movement, which is why this is happening. The towel suggestion will work to clean it up. What you can do is add a powerhead to create some surface movement. An airstone to create bubbles could work, if you had a small tank. What size tank do you have? What type of filter?

 

[franky]

Its only a 14inx8inx8in by tank, I have fitted an under gravel filter but hadnt put my pump in, all sorted now, thanks crazy eddie will soon be ready for my fry, lucy as another female has just given birth to another load