Film on water surface?

[Sean_Buckley]

Ok, so for Christmas, I got a 10-gallon. I started it cycling on the 25th, on the 26th added a small Convict cichlid to help the cycle start, no problems. Removed the Con on the 27th or 28th, and added 4 small Red-Eyed Tetras. I did a water change the day I put the RET in, and now there is a gray film on the surface. I have incandescent lighting (switching to flourescent soon), and am using an older heater. It was in my closet. Could the film have come from there? Or what?
Sean

 

[BobK]

The film is actually dissolved organics or proteins. Try increasing the surface agitaion. That should clear it up.

 

[Sean_Buckley]

Thanks. I'll add a temporary airstone, see if that helps!
Sean

 

[BobK]

That should do it. If you have a power filter you can decrease the water level slightly in the tank. As the water returns from the filter it should agitate the surface.

 

[Sean_Buckley]

I just put in airstone in last night, and this morning, there's no more film. Thanks!
Sean

 

[BobK]

Glad to hear it!

 

[Iceman]

I have the same film on the water surface of my tank. I want to add plants in the near future, along with a CO2 system, and have read that too much surface agitation negates the addtion of CO2. At present I have been doing water changes and using a large jar to remove the scum - the edge of the jar just breaking the water surface and allowing the scum to waterfall into the jar. Will leaving the scum in place be detrimental to my fish - by possibly preventing oxygen difusing through the water surface?

John

 

[Sean_Buckley]

Hey Iceman,
The film will disappear after you leave the airstone in for a while. I took mine out and the film didn't reappear, so I don't think you will have any problem once its gone.
Sean