WAXY FILM ON TOP??

[vanvran]

I've had my betta for 2 years. The past two weeks, I 've been noticed a thick film on top of his water. When I scoop it out, it's almost like melted candle wax--pretty gross. Any ideas? The water temp is 78-80. I have a plastic top over his 5 gallon tank, (actually, it's plastic wrap). Could it be too warm? In the last week and a half, we're suffering a heat wave--temps have been in high 90's, although my house is 74-78.

 

[AlexsDaddy]

It's just dust and stuff in the water coming to the surface. Nothing that'll hurt him. If you put an air stone or small filter in there to keep the water circulating, it'll keep it from happening.

 

[Bloo]

Is there anything in the tank that could be old and starting to break down (disintegrate) Coloured stones or a plastic object by chance ?

melted candle wax

does not sound like dust

 

[Saucy]

I was also thinking of something starting to break down. That and the protein from extra food and poop. Sounds strange to me.

 

[AlexsDaddy]

Ok, I could be wrong.

 

[BettaMomma]

Did you change dechlorinator or food at all?
When I switched from Start Right to Stress Coat, there was a noticable change in the top of the water - it's always got a sort of film on it now.

Just a thought...

oh, and same diff with the food - some foods produce different oils and might be building up there.

 

[vanvran]

Wow, thanks for the quick replies--this forum is greattttt!

I added a little more Stress Coat than usual.

As far as breaking down, how old is "old?" He's only 2 years old, and his tank stones are 2 years old, tank rocks, 1 year old and decorations are 1 year or less old. Maybe I need to clean them, since I vacuum his tank but haven't taken the decorations, stones out?

 

[Bloo]

It just depends really - as to how old is old. I'm not saying that the product you have in your tank is inferior, however some "less well made" products can start breaking down (be that plastic plants - artificial stones - artificial decorations etc etc.)

Do you have a filter in the tank ? If so, has that had a good clean recently ? If the filter has sponges - did you was the sponges in some siphoned tank water or under tap water ?
Those are just some thoughts.

 

[BettaMomma]

The stress coat is your answer, I'm almost positive.

 

[Elise]

My friend and I both use the Aquasafe by Tetra and we both have the film on the surface (it's very thin though). I know it can't be the breakdown of something because she uses very expensive, good quality plants/rocks...and I use more like walmart-type plants/rocks. When I used a different conditioner the film dissapears.

I'd say its the stress coat.

 

[vanvran]

I've been using the Stress coat for at least 6 months. Maybe I added too much?

 

[Bettabelieveit]

The stress coat is your answer, I'm almost positive.

I back you up 100% on the stress coat theory, it happens to all my tanks, especialy when I add a touch more.


You can put a piece of paper towel on top and take it off right away to get a lot of it off.

 

[vanvran]

Thanks, will try that.

 

[riogal_11]

I am with bettamomma on this one, My 2.5 gallon always has it after I add Stress Coat. That is the only thing out could be in my tank, so i am almost sure that's what it is. And mine is exactly as you describe. Kinda filmy/waxy.

 

[Synirr]

Yep. If I add a little too much dechlor to any of my tanks during water changes they develop a film across the top. Nothing to worry about, though