An oily layer over water in my tank - ??

[sonam]

Hi

I have a 72 gallen , 5 month old , African Cichlid tank.
Last week there was a layer of film over the water ( whitish/oily) and the fish did not feed well ( the food would stay for a long time un eaten ) they are generally agressive during meal time . Also a lot of brown spots staretd to cover the tank ornaments .Checked the water whcih was fine . Took a water sample to Pets Mart for testing, it was fine . The guy suggested some Phosporus removal kit , trying that.

After the weekly cleaning over the weekend ( cycled one third of water) things were back to normal.

Again since yesterday I see a layer of film over the water and the fishes don't look hungry .
Any adive to help out is appriciated.

Thanks


Sonam

[garnpet]

It could just be and oily film left by your food .  I had the same problem and purchased a surface skimmer attachment for my filter and that cleared it up.  

Instead of taking all the water from the input tube some is skimmed off the top of the tank.  This clears up the oily surface look.

[Nelson]

Hi

I have a 72 gallen , 5 month old , African Cichlid tank.
Last week there was a layer of film over the water ( whitish/oily) and the fish did not feed well ( the food would stay for a long time un eaten ) they are generally agressive during meal time . Also a lot of brown spots staretd to cover the tank ornaments .Checked the water whcih was fine . Took a water sample to Pets Mart for testing, it was fine . The guy suggested some Phosporus removal kit , trying that.

After the weekly cleaning over the weekend ( cycled one third of water) things were back to normal.

Again since yesterday I see a layer of film over the water and the fishes don't look hungry .
Any adive to help out is appriciated.

Thanks


Sonam

I've noticed the same surface film on my 120 in the last few weeks but it hasn't affected the fish in any way.  It's not particularly pleasant to look at so I'll be buying a skimmer shortly to correct the problem.

[Julie]

I have the same film in the 90g.

[ottawadiscus]

Hi All,

I have a different problem with my water. Last weekend I got a low ph level on my tap water.  

Those who keeping discus check your water ph level  before add to the tank.

Loyed

[artw]

I had that and I used Platies.   No more film (they eat it).

[Roop]

I had that and I used Platies.   No more film (they eat it).

yep, i find mollies and swords do to. much cheaper than a surface skimmer!

[NjOyRiD]

its funny i have the same prob in my 25g
but othing in my Central america tank with livebearers LOL

[Toss]

I use a pair of pearl gourami, works well. It's a protein layer, good for the fish (gourami). That's what they eat in their natural habitat. I know because I used to eat them, gourami is part of staple food back home :wink:

[NjOyRiD]

really..you were living there?! thats awesome!!!

[dannypd]

I use a pair of pearl gourami, works well. It's a protein layer, good for the fish (gourami). That's what they eat in their natural habitat. I know because I used to eat them, gourami is part of staple food back home :wink:

Never know what might be in that next shipment of "tropical" fish food

Maybe we can have proof? LOL

[pegasus]

Hi

I have a 72 gallen , 5 month old , African Cichlid tank.
Last week there was a layer of film over the water ( whitish/oily) and the fish did not feed well ( the food would stay for a long time un eaten )................
Again since yesterday I see a layer of film over the water and the fishes don't look hungry .
Any adive to help out is appriciated.

Uneaten food will give you this surface protein film, so feed less and increase water mouvement.
Fish not hungry.. first check water temperature and increase if it's to low. My Africans don't eat well at 74F, I prefer to keep the adults & juveniles closer to 78F and the fry at 80-82F

[gvv]

This bacterial film can be good if you have egg-scatters, as the first fry food - infusoria - is actually feeds on this film. I never disturb it in the tanks with the newly born fry, but later just turn on the air and this destroyes the film.
BTW, mosquitos,also like to lay eggs in the water that has this film.

Regards

[scotth]

another option as far as clearing the film up would be a powerhead.  just aim it towards the surface a bit and the agitation will prevent the film from forming.  i presently use a surface skimmer, but i think that i will soon switch to powerheads for the added circulation and the fact that they are easier to hide behind tank decorations.