Surface Scum

[jmuccillo]

Since commencing EI I've noticed a build up of scum on the water surface of my planted tank. Thought it may have been caused by one of the macro nutrients I recently started using. Does anyone know what causes it?

Also does anyone know how to get rid of it or do you just have to live with it?

 

[Ste_J]

Also does anyone know how to get rid of it or do you just have to live with it?

Try a paper towel or if you don't want to do that then black mollies love the scum and will make short work of it.

 

[TracyRene]

I have skimmed the water surface with a paper towel before and it has worked, but Ihave discovered since purchasing a new filter, that with constant water surface agitation.....*POOF* no more surface scum!

 

[superjalami30]

Are you adding C02 to your tank?
If so, it's probably a residue that the C02 leaves on the surface.
You can buy a surface skimmer that'll take care of that.
However, if you're not adding C02 I dont know of hand what the "scum" could be.

Either way, a surface skimmer should remove it.

 

[kenneth_kpe]

surface scum is a bacterial colony i think that lives on almost still srufaces.... this is common with planted tanks because we want to avoid surface agitation to keep co2 in.

Diff people prefer diff methods on removing this stuff.

Gf for example uses fish (platies i think ? or is it a molly) to eat the scum.

Some people use surface skimmers, towels or other mechanical means.

I use snails but i dont advise this i just got lucky that my snails prefer surface scum over my plants.

 

[jmuccillo]

Are you adding C02 to your tank?
If so, it's probably a residue that the C02 leaves on the surface.

Yep. Have been doing so for quite a while and have never had this problem so hadn't considered CO2 as a possible cause. Admittedly though, since starting EI I have increased CO2 concentrations considerably so it’s still possible.

[Try a paper towel or if you don't want to do that then black mollies love the scum and will make short work of it.

Scum eating fish sounds interesting. Might give that a try.

 

[Ste_J]

Gf for example uses fish (platies i think ? or is it a molly) to eat the scum.

Think GF uses platies although I would tend to go with the molly as the platies in my tank tend to party more than they scum suck. In fact they party more since I introduced CO2 and ferts and I just want them out of my tank now - they are taking over

 

[George Farmer]

I've just the one Platy so "partying" isn't an option ATM!

 

[Ste_J]

I've just the one Platy so "partying" isn't an option ATM!

George you would be wise to keep it that way! I fear that one day I will find a red and black stripe version as they keep eyeing up the clown loaches

Going to the LFS today to see if they will take them off my hands in return for some blood worms or something

 

[jmuccillo]

Added one male Platy to 66g tank a couple of days ago (wasn't going to take any chances with a pair or even one knocked up female for that matter). This is an exremely effective fish. Not a trace of scum to be found.

Noticed, however, it does tend to produce a lot of .....you know....by product. Probably out competes my peppermint catfish in this area. I guess what goes in must eventually come out.

 

[lljdma06]

Added one male Platy to 66g tank a couple of days ago (wasn't going to take any chances with a pair or even one knocked up female for that matter). This is an exremely effective fish. Not a trace of scum to be found.

Noticed, however, it does tend to produce a lot of .....you know....by product. Probably out competes my peppermint catfish in this area. I guess what goes in must eventually come out.

Look at it this way, free fertilizer!

 

[gt568]

I just lowered my water level by a couple of millimeters and presto it was gone!