Weird Stuff On Top Of Water

[Crossfc]

So I noticed there is a white translucent film ontop of my water. When you stir it, it breaks up in flakey chunks. I was wondering what it is.

 

[handsomeboy]

sludge...just soak it up. drape some paper towels on the surface and then take them off.

 

[Crossfc]

Sludge? How did I get sludge in the tank? Is it harmful?

 

[GuppyDude]

yea, that can happen if your tank is well established and the surface of your water is still, or uncovered. i would suggest a bubble stone if possible.

 

[Tolak]

It's usually from the protein in food, and a sign that you could use more surface movement in the tank.

 

[Crossfc]

I have a fan on the top of the tank blowing over the water to keep the tank cool. Not enough movement I suppose. I need some big waves. Lol.

 

[wodesorel]

I get it more often in my betta tank where the current isn't as strong. I've found that using just the tubing from a gravel vac to "suck" the top layer of water works a lot better than using paper towels. You might have to start the suction a few times before you get the hang of how far in and out of the water to keep it, but it works like a charm. (Plus, it really tees the betta off. He doesn't really care for the sound it makes.)

 

[4ftguppy]

If you burn candles at home you can get something similar - may depend on the type of wax

 

[cane76]

i had this same problem with my piranha tank and it was down to surface aggitation.i added another filter to the other end of the tank and aint seen it since

 

[Bullrock74]

So I noticed there is a white translucent film ontop of my water. When you stir it, it breaks up in flakey chunks. I was wondering what it is.

I got it from feeding my fish blood worms. The scum they produced was unbelievable. People say it is from not enough surface agitation, but it makes me wonder just how much motion they must have in their "oceans" ...

 

[Crossfc]

The "sludge" is gone after some absorbent towels and a water change.