Soapy like film on my water surface (cycling tank )?

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by minajaguar, Apr 23, 2012.

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  1. minajaguar

    minajaguar Spaghetti Worm

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2012
    Messages:
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    Soapy like film on my water surface (cycling tank )
    Ammonia > 0.25 nitrite = 1 nitrate 10

    it was like thin film and today it converted to something like soapy tiny solid particles ( like scratched solid soap powder )
    Is that normal ?
     
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  3. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

    Joined:
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    Location:
    shenzhen Guangdong PRC
    it is trapped protiens , they are trapped by surface tension

    you need to increase your water movement at top of tank - create ripples (waves in my case)

    that will stop them forming at water surface
    and if and when you get a skimmer, the skimmer would help to remove them

    you can get rid of them by placing a dry paper towel gently on water surface and then carefully peel it off, the protiens / scum, will stick to the paper towel

    2 or 3 goes at that should remove it all
    then you increase water movement at the surface and voila - they never come back
     
  4. sticksmith23

    sticksmith23 Giant Squid

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    I never realized what that film was either. I assume it is the same for fresh water as well.
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