Surface scum on a new tank?

[Filltheee]

Hi guys,

new to fish keeping and have a few questions!

have a fluval 125ltr tank (30gal) set it up 3 days ago now.. and its been cloudy (red at first and now a milky colour)... its still cloudy but has a scum on the surface.

Has an oily look to it.. but isnt clearing.. I suspect due to it being on the surface and not affected by the filter?

Any suggestions on how to solve the surface scum?

had the water checked to make sure it was ok.. and aquatics store said it was fine, clouding should clear..

Thanks,

Fill

[Wasserpest]

Try doing 30% daily water changes for a while. There might be dissolved organics/stuff in the tank from setting it up.

[ucantimagine]

What is your substrate? My akadama made a dust film on the surface for awhile, then it slowly went away.

[Filltheee]

Changed about 30-40% of the water tonight and no film on the surface!

Will see how the tank settles for a few days and go from there as I am in no rush!

Thanks for the comments

Fill

EDIT! Tank has all but cleared now, looks like it was an algee bloom? and most likely the scum was from the gravel I used? either way.. clear water now!

[elwray]

Hi Fill,

The initial cloudiness could likely have been the tank cycling, as the beneficial bacteria started establishing.

What are you stocking in the tank?

[Psionic]

If you keep getting it, you can always make one of the DIY surface skimmers.


-Val

[Bahugo]

I use a paper towel too get rid of my surface scum. Or siphon it out