LoveArowanas Posted July 8, 2011 Report Share Posted July 8, 2011 hey all 1st time Ive had this, the usual green build up on the sides of my tank doesnt seem to be anymore than usual. But there is this green build up on the surface. Kindas reminds me of pond scum. I say "oily" because it acts like oil, ie It seems to seperate itself from the water.. esp when I stick a finger it there What have I got here? Description too vague? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted July 8, 2011 Report Share Posted July 8, 2011 Sounds like you have a green oily surface scum :sml2: Has something changed recently, like the foods you are feeding? May be a buildup of phosphates from the fishfood? Try using paper towels laid across the surface to soak up the scum then reposition your filter outlets so you have more water surface disturbance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the-obstacle Posted July 8, 2011 Report Share Posted July 8, 2011 What Caryl said x2. Point a spray bar from the filter at the surface so it ripples and breaks up the oil/scum. Unfortunately this is a pretty standard byproduct of (esp.) planted tanks. It looks yuck from above but really doesn't do much. I'd make sure to suck away as much of it as possible on water change day and then the surface agitation looks after the rest. Another approach, assuming you do have a planted tank, is to increase the fertilisers/co2 to combat the algae/scum by promoting plant growth. Since properly dosing my tanks with ferts and co2 I don't have algae and I don't get the scum. But it is a bit more work. Info on this approach is covered here - http://www.fnzas.org.nz/fishroom/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=50222 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoveArowanas Posted July 10, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2011 Thnaks...and also to Carol for her succinct diagnosis :slfg: I wasnt aware paper towels were acceptable to use to tanks so that sorted it nicely. As for the likely villian..... Im going with this new ummm fuzzy looking plant that I introduced a few weeks before, I had also left a rooted-out one floating around for a few days because I was too frit of the cold to get a wet arm replanting it. Shame it those plants are villianous cos they so pretty and fuzzy :love: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the-obstacle Posted July 10, 2011 Report Share Posted July 10, 2011 It's not likely to be a specific plant but all the plants causing it. If you're happy with the paper towel trick then you're sorted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joshlikesfish Posted July 10, 2011 Report Share Posted July 10, 2011 Whats in the tank? How you just started feeding flake by any chance? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
critter_crazy Posted July 10, 2011 Report Share Posted July 10, 2011 Green oily surface scum has made a home in my tank also - just after adding plants :facepalm: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoveArowanas Posted July 10, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2011 Josh. Madagascar rainbows 2, Kribensis 2, Kuhlie Loaches 8, assorted Tetras some emarld eyed Rasboros and a rainbow Shark they have been on a diet of flakes (and the odd unfortunate insect for the Madagscars) for months ...but i finally just got around to restocking bloodworms recently Had a mop up, scrub down and clean out anyway and its all looking great again. yay for being able to make frequent water changes meaning I dont have to hurt my brain working out what the hell Jennifer is going on about in that link posted (I think thats why i manage to run ok while being basically clueless anyway) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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