[ebichu]

I found a white film on the surface of my planted tank.

Where does this come from ? Is this harmfull ?

To get rid of it, I need to create surface movement right ? Anything else ?

I dont want to use surface skimmer.

Thanks in advance.

 

[CarolF]

generally in my tanks it is excess organics. Sometimes just running carbon will clean it up.

 

[ebichu]

Excess organics -> are they from ferts ? or food ?

Is it harmfull to the fish or plants ?

 

[EdTheEdge]

I found a white film on the surface of my planted tank.

To get rid of it, I need to create surface movement right ? Anything else ?

When you get good a siphoning you can actually siphon the film off the top during your water changes. Just keep the hose close to the surface when you siphon.....

I've had "The Film" on several occasions over the years and it goes away after 2 or 3 surface siphonings/water changes.

 

[CarolF]

excess organics can be caused from excess food, debry, dieing plants etc.I skim the top of my water too but sometimes it just isn't enough.

 

[epicfish]

Use a paper towel and lay it on top then remove it...works pretty well.

Or get a protein skimmer, lol. (Just kidding...it'll work, but an unncessary piece of equipment).

 

[ebichu]

So, is it harmful (to fish or plants) if I dont remove them ?

 

[Wö£fëñxXx]

What size tank and what size filter, sounds as though you have inadequate filtration, need decent current in the tank, raise the spray bar to lightly break the surface of the water at night.

 

[Color Me Blue]

So, is it harmful (to fish or plants) if I dont remove them ?

Yes and no. Depends how much film: this film blocks light from getting to your plants. It's helpful to remove as much as you can, so your plants will get all the beneficial light that you provide them. As for fish, there again it depends. Most likely not, but then you have to look at why you are getting so much of a buildup. Your "good" bacteria break down this protein and converts it to nitrate. The more work these good bacteria have to do, the more O2 they have to use. These higher nitrate levels may not be suitable for some species. You see this alot in salt water tanks. So all in all, I would say you are ok. But hey, I'm no expert.

I heard black mollys are good to remove this film also.