Bio Film Help!

[Bleuet]

I have a five gallon tank with one betta (and some live plants) and I have started to notice an oily build up on the surface of his water (I believe it is called biofilm) I have already tryed to remove it twice. Questions:

What causes it?
Will it harm my fish?
How can I safely remove or prevent it?
Will surface agitation prevent it? If so what is good for bettas?

Thanks in advance for any help or advice!

 

[Fishy friend2]

Usually it is caused by no surface movement
No it won't
Use a filter or airstone
Yes it will remove it

 

[XFiSh_CichildX]

+1 on the first answer

 

[Fishy friend2]

Or sometimes is can even be caused by a supreme overdose of some specific dechlorinators

 

[Bleuet]

Usually it is caused by no surface movement
No it won't
Use a filter or airstone
Yes it will remove it

Thanks for the advice!!!

 

[Fishy friend2]

Your welcome! I'm glad to help!

 

[Rummynose]

Have you tried the paper towel trick?

Lay a piece of paper towel on the surface of the water for a second or two, it will absorb whatever is floating on the surface of the water.

 

[Bleuet]

Have you tried the paper towel trick?

Lay a piece of paper towel on the surface of the water for a second or two, it will absorb whatever is floating on the surface of the water.

I know this is a late reply but I was wondering about this. Do you need a specific brand, so it won't be chemically or anything? Does it work well?
Sorry this is late.

 

[Rummynose]

Have you tried the paper towel trick?

Lay a piece of paper towel on the surface of the water for a second or two, it will absorb whatever is floating on the surface of the water.

I know this is a late reply but I was wondering about this. Do you need a specific brand, so it won't be chemically or anything? Does it work well?
Sorry this is late.

A regular paper towel will do! It works great for me! If there is plant debris I use a little cup to skim those off the water's surface.