Weird Oil film on the surface of the water

[JakeKPO]

Hello all! So I recently got a new tank the Fluval Spec and I have started to notice this film on the top of the water that looks like if you were to dump oil in water what could this be from? Is it harmful? Is it good bacteria? Idk let me know ASAP thanks

 

[Byron]

It is likely a protein film. Harmless for the most part, but if it gets too thick it will reduce the exchange of gasses which occur at the surface.

The other possible is some substance in the water but this should not normally be the issue.

 

[JakeKPO]

It is likely a protein film. Harmless for the most part, but if it gets too thick it will reduce the exchange of gasses which occur at the surface.

The other possible is some substance in the water but this should not normally be the issue.

Okay thanks so much I will keep a close eye on it if it gets much worse I will come back to the forum

 

[PheonixKingZ]

It’s most likely bio film. It’s harmless. Some shrimp/snail species actually enjoy eating it.

 

[FishGuest5123]

This explains it well. https://fishlab.com/oil-and-protein-film/

 

[JakeKPO]

this is what it looks like if that helps at all

 

[Colin_T]

do a water change and increase aeration/ surface turbulence.