Film At The Top?

[LEB2006]

What does it mean when there is a film at the top of the water? is this bad? I still have alot to learn!!

 

[K.J.]

Any color, white or kind of trasparent, oily?

 

[SPLiSH]

If it is transparent film that breaks up when you poke it with a finger, it is harmless. Many tanks get it - I think it is caused by the lack of water current that bettas prefer.

 

[LEB2006]

Yeah it is oily looking. I dont have the air stone in this tank like I did the other but they actually like this? why?

 

[SPLiSH]

Yeah it is oily looking. I dont have the air stone in this tank like I did the other but they actually like this? why?

The bettas don't 'like' it or dislike it. I doubt they notice it is there.

 

[Rynoah]

I've been thinking that the oily substance that sometimes appears on the surface of betta tanks is actually oil from human skin. If you put your hand into the water, the natural oils on your skin might get into the water. It's harmless, of course, but it can be a bit ugly looking.

Just a theory, though, and I don't know if it holds water (so to speak).

 

[Bijou]

Hi,

I have 7 bettas and only one of my fish does this. All others are males but this little gal gets her water changed every day because that slime on top of the water grosses me out . I think she's just a slimey, dirty betta. And I don't stick my hands in her bowl (eww, she's too gross) and I wash my hands so often that I can't imagine there is much oil on them. At least they FEEL very overwashed and dry!

 

[Rynoah]

Do you wash your water-changing equipment? I've found that the substance can stick to things if not washed off properly and will persist for a while.

If it only occurs in one tank, though . . . hmm. Have you emptied the tank and washed it?