oily film

[TuscBear]

I have had aquariums all my life since i was a child. I currently have a 125g saltwater reef. 75g fresh water community tank. 29g breeder community tank. 6g fluval fresh water and a 60g hex fresh water, in which im getting ready to add Discus too. My question is.... does anyone know why i would have a oily film on the surface of my discus tank and if so what can i do about it. Thanks Concerned.

 

[Andrew McFadden]

You need to add more water movement at the surface of the water. It should then go away on its own.

 

[phin]

Its natural. part of the waste from your fish. Increase water flow/surface agitation, or, if you want to keep it low-flow add a surface skimmer (not the same as a SW protein skimmer)

 

[Gail]

I have same issue in my 5 gallon betta tank, but I can't increase the water flow because they like still waters. I have a heater and a filter in the tank. Do I just let it go? I was thinking the oily film was bad because I have a screen on the top of my tank. The original top of the tank had a light, but the light no longer works, and the original top wasn't letting in any light.
gail

 

[phin]

Amazon.com: Como Aquarium Tank Water Surface Protein Oil Skimmer Set Black: Pet Supplies

 

[aqua_chem]

It's also pretty normal in new tank setups to have an oily film even though you have normal surface agitation. It's probably the result of an insufficient heterotrophic bacteria population that eventually self corrects. In the mean time, you can buy a surface skimmer, but what I always did was take a single sheet of plain, unscented paper towel, dip the entire thing under water, and slowly pull it out by the corners. A lot of the scum will come out with it.

 

[Gail]

fantastic idea, I took a water glass and tried to get it out (LOL). Didn't work too well. I'll try the paper towel trick.

thanks so much for your help.
gail

(send warm weather)