What Is This Surface Film?

[adzilla88]

My tank has been running for nearly a year with no problems, however I have recently noticed a white cloudy film on the surface with small white specks (look similar to sand) floating on top. Has anyone had any experience of this, or have an idea of a cause. It's a 5 x 2 x 2 tank with a Fluval FX5 and a fluval 408.

I've also noticed one of my Geo's breathing quite quickly and looking in a bit of disconfort when swimming as though it is trying to shake and I've also noticed it flashing against the sand. However all of the other fish look fine and are acting normally. I dont think it is itch either as there are no signs of any spots and all the other fish appear to be fine, so I'm puzzled.

I tested the water and the Ammonia was 0.25, so I've just done a 50% waterchange so hopefully that will do the trick. I do 25% atleast every week. I'll just have to keep an eye on it. I'm not sure whether this is linked to the 'film' on top or not.

Anyway, here's a couple of pictures...

Firstly looking down on the tank from above:

Look up towards the surface from below:

If anyone could help or give some advice, it would be appreciated!

 

[Aquascaper]

Protein film caused by lack of surface agitation, reduces gaseous exchange between water and air. It can be removed by creating bubbles or ripples at the surface with powerheads/filter output/airstones.

Can also be manually removed with cloth/paper being dragged across the surface.

 

[doresy]

The film could be a number of things

1, contamination from hands going in the tank, ie hand creams, grease etc.

2, protein oil from food (frozen foods)

3, airborne cleaning agents/polishes/air fresheners.

Easy to get rid of by blotting it up with a quality plain kitchen paper roll or I believe some members use newspaper but I wouldn't use that because of the print. Simply turn of any surface agitation (filter) and momentarily lay the kitchen paper flat on the surface then gather up and discard. After a couple of goes all the film will have gone.

The behaviour of the effected fish maybe caused partly by low oxygenation due to the condition of the water and definitely by the presence of ammonia which should be eliminated immediately as there is no acceptable level of ammonia except zero!

 

[adzilla88]

Thanks for the replies.

I added an air stone shortly after posting this. Also, I used to have an air stone running up until a few weeks ago, but decided to take it out and since doing that the film has developed.

I will have a look at the filters and try to direct them more towards the surface to increase agitation.

I have also been feeding frozen foods every 2 days, is this too often?

I'll check ammonia again tomorrow and hopefully its back to zero after the large water change I did earlier.

Cheers guys!

 

[elmo666]

Must be something in the water, lol. I have started suffering with this recently. I have surface agitation, good flow but couldn't figure it out. Then it dawned on me, the only thing I had changed was food, bought some tetramin pro crisps...... Guess what, 12% crude oils and fats, 46% protein. So, just put some in a glass and held it up to the light as it broke up.......oil slick! On the note of surface agitation, whats best for plants? Gentle movement with little ripple, moderate surface agitation or keeping surface movement to a minimum?

 

[coolie]

I have some (not quite so bad) film issues. I don't want to use an airstone though as it takes the CO2 out that the plants need.

I was wondering if straw would work to brush it up. They use straw in oil spills. Something in the straw makes oil stick to it. Anyone know about this?

 

[Livewire88]

Surface film is a pain in the butt, just up the surface agitation if you can and it will soon vanish.

 

[adzilla88]

I have added an air pump and angles the filter outlets pointing nearer the surface and its already looking 10 times better as the film has reduced significantly.

Also, the fish that was looking dodgy yesterday seems a lot happier since I did this.