White Layer on water surface

[richardhmc]

Hi all... I have had this problem I guess for a while (many months) I didnt regard it as a problem really but I know its not right.

In my 55 long tank, there is a white layer on the water surface.. Im not sure what it is... looks like oil on water sort of except whitish and when i touch the surface, it makes a hole like water and then will later go back together.. what could it be?

 

[Wolf3101]

That sounds a lot like a build up of oil on the serface of the water. lay a folded paper towl on the serface of the water and then remove it after a minute or two.

 

[liberator177]

could it be from to much fatty foods since fish cant digest fat? like do you feed alot of beefheart or other fatty foods?

 

[riffraffxl]

It's protein scum. You need surface agitation to break it apart.

Direct a powerhead or spraybar the surface and it will go away. Worked for me.

 

[richardhmc]

I feed nightcrawlers, frzn market shrimp and frzn dried krill... are those fatty foods?

 

[Wolf3101]

yes...that can cause it if your feeding levels high enough. Add an air stone or spray bar for serface aggitation and try the towl trick once a week. I feed Tuna meat to my big fish at least once a week and that causes it as well.

 

[ecajoe]

i thought it was a molicule? that 1 part needs air the other needs water disturb the surface it will go away this is a big problem in sw it cuts down on you gas excange and can crash your tank