Top Of Water Almost Looks Like Oil?

[kirztie14]

Hi everyone,
i noticed last night that the top of the water in my tropical aquarium has a layer of what looks to be grease on it. i tested the water, everything fine. i also checked my tap water it has the same thing, but not as bad.
What is causing this and how do i fix it?

PH: 7.1
ammonia 0
nitrate 0
nitrite 0.5
hardness 180ppm

 

[shelaghfishface]

do you feed bloodworm?
if so it will be the oils/residues from that, lay a sheet of kitchen paper on the surface and this should absorb it

 

[kirztie14]

do you feed bloodworm?
if so it will be the oils/residues from that, lay a sheet of kitchen paper on the surface and this should absorb it

nope, just sinking pellits for the bristenoses and the community flakes.

 

[thefubar]

Since starting to run top-less, i have found there is a build up of "gunk" on the surface of the water. Almost looks like a soft limescale crust. I will try the kitchen roll idea (thanks shelagh) until now i have been using a shallow dish and slowly removing it as part of a water change.

 

[backtotropical]

Here is a post I made in a similar thread recently. Hope it helps you.

Hi,

What you describe is very common and is nothing to worry about.

It is usually caused by over-feeding or feeding foods high in oils and proteins.

To get rid of it, try cutting back feeding and employ more surface movement. Alternatively, you can use tissue paper. Just lay it flat on the surface of the water, then remove it, and it should take the oily film with it.

You may also want to experiment with the different types of food you use to identify if one particular food is the cause.

Good luck!!

BTT

 

[kirztie14]

Here is a post I made in a similar thread recently. Hope it helps you.

Hi,

What you describe is very common and is nothing to worry about.

It is usually caused by over-feeding or feeding foods high in oils and proteins.

To get rid of it, try cutting back feeding and employ more surface movement. Alternatively, you can use tissue paper. Just lay it flat on the surface of the water, then remove it, and it should take the oily film with it.

You may also want to experiment with the different types of food you use to identify if one particular food is the cause.

Good luck!!

BTT

Thars great, thank you

 

[tenohfive]

Personally I have a lid so I just ignore it.