Surface Scum

[fishstick]

There is a layer of pale scum on the surface of my shellie tank. I can remove it with paper towels but it returns. I don't feed the fish on only dry food. Do you think the scum interferes with the surface gas exchange? In other words are my fish getting oxygen through the scum? They are behaving normally, not gasping at the top or anything so I suppose they are but the scum is horribly unsightly.

 

[WILDER]

Post this thread in tropical chat, get alot of help over there.
How many gallons is the tank.
How many fish and which type.
What do you feed the fish.
What filter are you using.

 

[zoekin8yg]

its either dust etc or slime of some kind algae or bacteria or some such like. You can help it by having more surface aggitation or covering the tank if it has no lid. If all else fails try a total clean of the tank. I get it on most of my tanks


forgot to say it can also be oil especially if your tank is in or close to the kitchen