Urgent Nitrate/nitrite Surface Scum

[StaniFish]

Hi, on my tank upstairs i have tested the water and there is quite high nitrate in the tank. I have noticed on the tanks that even though i have the filter breaking the surface there seems to be a soapy looking surface scum on top. It is worse in my breeding trap because no fresh water can completely flow into there. Just this morning, in my hospital tank i realised there was this same scum on top of the water and my female swordtail milly had died
Is this scum caused my nitrate or any other chemical and how would i get rid of it fast before it could damage my other fish. Thanks!

 

[Spooky76]

How high is the Nitrate ?
If its high, do a 30-40% change firstly ASAP, That should remove some of the scum too.
If its still there, it could be grease from your hand or something else.
Put some kitchen roll paper gently on top of the water, it should soak it up.
If the fish are at the surface 02 in the tank must be low. Add an airstone.
How much is your filter moving the surface of the tank ? What size is the tank ?
I dont think Nitrate causes that, but I might be wrong. What else have you added to the tank lately ? Any medications ? Could something else have got near your water ?

 

[shang hi]

the scum is most likley soap from not washing it off properly before putting youu hand in the water or as spooky said the oils from your hands.
nitrate is usualy non toxic unless you get alot of it so less than 60 is ideal, more than 80 is not ideal, less than 40 (some people have 40 coming out their taps) is great. i have 20ppm nitrate in both my tanks, with regular water changes of 25% weekly and dont over feed it should steadly drop with the regular water changes.
(if it sounds like i just said nitrate will drop on its own i did not mean this)

 

[vinylman]

Surface film is more likely to be from certain kinds of foods (usually flake). Try experimenting with a few small pots of different types. Feed each one for a week and keep a daily note of what happens.

 

[shang hi]

Surface film is more likely to be from certain kinds of foods (usually flake). Try experimenting with a few small pots of different types. Feed each one for a week and keep a daily note of what happens.

i never thought of that one, after using those words of wisdom i remembered protene rich food feed to often can cause this and also food containing beef (dont know why some have beef in them) try some "no beef" fish food if nothing else works.