Surface Scum

[Clarousel]

I have a thin whitish film on the surface of my small tank. I turned up my filter (small HOB) but it seems that the air bubbles produced are too tiny to burst through the film.

Is the only option to get rid of it to get an oxygen pump or change the filter?

It's a 5G tank and currently cycling.

(I just lifted up my filter 1cm higher so the water falls back in faster. That made bigger bubbles but I'm not sure if it made a difference)

 

[Craig89]

Get a spray bar and have it slightly out of the water

 

[Clarousel]

I can't attach one I think. I'm getting an oxygen pump today, would that be sufficient?

 

[Tizer]

lay a kitchen towel on the surface, let it absorb the oil slick, do a few times and most will be gone.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

The oil slick is caused by the fish food and lays on the top of the water. It does no harm really if your not bothered leave it if you want to clean it you can do the paper towel method or a great way is get a empty pop bottle clean it and force it into the water with open neck facing the top of the tank. When the bottle top breaks the surface of the water hold it and all the surface scum flows in in seconds

 

[Clarousel]

I can't remember but I read from the PARC that its also caused by poor circulation/aeration. I'm looking for a long-term solution so thought the oxygen pump would help.

 

[raptorrex]

I can't remember but I read from the PARC that its also caused by poor circulation/aeration. I'm looking for a long-term solution so thought the oxygen pump would help.

you dont need a long term solution. when your tank is cycled and stocked, chances are, you will not see it any more. I've cycled and kept many tanks. but have only seen this on ones during cycle,

but, if it persists, try a skimmer (yes they do work with freshwater, if you get the right type).

 

[Clarousel]

Oh I see. I thought it was due to my filter not giving much surface agitation because it doesn't produce any bubles when the water returns to the tank.

I got the air pump already so will see if things improve. If not I'll clean it up with the methods advised. Thanks for the help!

 

[soybean]

Increased surface agitation will break it up and make it less obvious/stop it forming, but it's not CAUSED by a lack of agitation. I always got it on small betta tanks as they were fed a high protein diet. You could try and break it up with an air pump and it might get sucked up by the filter a bit more. I used to use a small net to scoop it off.

 

[Clarousel]

Increased surface agitation will break it up and make it less obvious/stop it forming, but it's not CAUSED by a lack of agitation. I always got it on small betta tanks as they were fed a high protein diet. You could try and break it up with an air pump and it might get sucked up by the filter a bit more. I used to use a small net to scoop it off.

I see. Just read through the info about it again. I hope the air pump works!