White film

[smashley09]

I have a 40 gallon, fully cycled tank. I added Manzanita Driftwood to the tank as well as live plants. I am using Flourish fertilizer, twice a week, and the API CO2 Booster daily. I have a light white film that develops on the top of the water. I use my net and remove what I can and it returns each day. I have changed the carbon, and refreshed the filter pads with water changes. Any ideas on what is causing this and how to control it?

 

[absolutangel04]

How much surface agitation do you have?

 

[smashley09]

Not much. My filter output is about 5 inches below the surface.

 

[Rivercats]

Sounds like a protein film which is common when little surface agitation is present. Is there a way to raise your output close to the surface? Or perhaps add a HOB on and lower the water so the outflow cascades into the tank like a waterfall. Some people lay paper towels or black and white section of the newspaper on the suface of the water and let them soak up the film for a few minutes before removing them.

 

[smashley09]

I can raise the output. I have a canister filter so the cascade idea will not apply. Thanks!