gross film on water's surface

[Arcticwolfe]

my paludarium has been set up for almost a week now, and a couple days ago this gross film started forming on the surface of the water area. it's sometimes brown and sometimes clear until i scoop it out, then it's white. i haven't added any fish or plants yet. i have my filter pointed at the surface so it causes rippling plus a pump that i'm going to be using as a waterfall causing rippling on the other side ofthe tank. nothing helps. i've also had this problem in my 5 gallon betta tank. he ended up getting ich and fin rot a couple times until i put him in my 15 gallon where i haven't had any problems. if any one can help, it's greatly appreciated!

 

[mfdrookie516]

What you're describing sounds like what we call bio-film. Creating some added surface agitation will cure it. I had it once until I added some added surface agitation, then it went right away. If adding surface agitation is not an option, you can drag a dry paper towel over the surface and it will pull the majority of it off.

 

[BigJim]

+1

Looking at your "My Tanks" link, you've got a fairly heavy bioload in the paladarium. Remember that you're not dealing with a full 10g of water, but most likely only 3-8g. You might have to do PWCs twice a week.