Reply With QuoteUse a surface skimmer.
You can also raise your output pipe higher to create more agitation then the film will be less noticeable.
I notice an oily film on the water surface of my 2 ft tank. I am afraid it might block gas exchange between the water and the air above.
How do i remove the oily film? what should i use to break down the oil film without harming the fish and plants?
Use a surface skimmer.
You can also raise your output pipe higher to create more agitation then the film will be less noticeable.
if if if... im not wrong... this oily layer is produced by the plants... so...
it wont block the exchange of gases..
The oily film is normal when you get high growth and you inject CO2 as well. It didn't harm my fishes.
hahaha, and i was thinking that it must be from my oily hands when I was shifting and trimming my plants.
Anyway, if you do not have a surface skimmer, try using a kitchen paper towel, those kind that you put on the plate to soak oil from fried food. You may also try serviettes. What you can do is to open up the towel or serviettes and gently place it on the surface of water. Repeat with new ones for 3 to 4 times. this would reduce the thickness of the oil film
Do you feed high protein foods like beef heart or live food a lot? This can cause the oily film. I remove it by placing kitchen towel on the surface of the water to soak up the oil once per week, the film doesn't seem to adversely affect the fish though I do have a high concentration of plants (with ferts and liquid carbon) which is providing highly oxygenated water.
furry plant grower
If your tank is big enough, float a tennis ball. The fur on the ball will catch up the oil and you just need to take out the ball to wash in a day or two.
Warm regards,
Lawrence Lee
brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
Philippians 4:8
Fish food also causes surface film.Originally Posted by |squee|
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wow! didn't know there is such usage of tennis ball in fish tank.
A truly novel use of a tennis ball! Haha...
Last edited by Wackytpt; 10th Aug 2009 at 13:53.
Yecch!
Tennis Balls
Mollys
Paper Towel, etc--these are temporary solutions and surface film always comes back after few days. A cut down on fish food and a surface skimming maybe the best remedy to this problem.
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i have 3 tanks and only one tank with the most plants have a thin oily film at the top. I think I notice the oil film after I dose the tank with excel flourish.
As for fish food, i dont think that's the cause.
Will the oil film cause decrease gas exchange with the tank water thereby resulting in harmful effects?
Try ADA - CLEAR FLOAT. It is floating absorption filtration material. Clear Float absorbs oily film. Let it float on the water surface temporarily, and remove with a net after use. Effect/ Removal of oil on water surface. Chemical Filtration Material/ Mulberry tree charcoal
i use surface skimmer myself alt i read that there's no significant issue..
FIsh food is protein rich which one of the major cause of surface film. Cut down your feeding regime.
Your lighting will pose a problem if the surface build up is not addressed.
Try ADA - CLEAR FLOAT. It is floating absorption filtration material. Clear Float absorbs oily film. Let it float on the water surface temporarily, and remove with a net after use. Effect/ Removal of oil on water surface. Chemical Filtration Material/ Mulberry tree charcoal
I never heard of this product before. Is it available in SG?
Last edited by Wackytpt; 10th Aug 2009 at 13:54.
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Theres one in Holland drive for S$15. I sent them email if they ship to U.S.A.
Might as well call them later to verify.
I coundnt find this product in the U.S.
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where can i get skimmer surface skimmer for nano 1 foot tank ?
Last edited by Wackytpt; 10th Aug 2009 at 13:55. Reason: spelling
C328 should have them.
Most shops that sells planted stuff should have them.
Nicholas
Newbie en el cichlid enano
A HOB filter with surface skimmer like this one will do a job.
Im getting one this week.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...m?pcatid=16729
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