kassidi
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Post by kassidi on Dec 29, 2008 19:35:39 GMT -5
What is going on?!  |
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Post by bikeguy33 on Dec 29, 2008 19:43:29 GMT -5
take a paper towel flat and just skim over the surface....not sure what it is tho....but it isnt harmful unless of course it is gasoline....lol. the paper towel will get rid of it tho...
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Post by goldenpuon on Dec 29, 2008 20:53:21 GMT -5
Bill's right if it is just just a build-up at the top. That happens in some of my tanks when there isn't enough surface agitation. But I'm not quite clear what is in the picture. Is the surface really that dark looking? Also what is that floating in the water? Last but most important question, are the fish acting alright?
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Post by murdock6701 on Dec 29, 2008 21:00:57 GMT -5
do you have an air stone in your tank? looks like you have an hob filter right? (hang on the back)
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kassidi
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Post by kassidi on Dec 29, 2008 21:27:57 GMT -5
The picture is flake food on the surface of the water, where the flake food touches, the filmy surface goes away... all the fish are acting fine. I don't have an air stone, should I get one? What is an air stone? I do have a Hang on the Back Filter... Styrofoam?? haha I don't have a mechanic goldfish (that I know about) haha! and thanks  |
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Post by murdock6701 on Dec 29, 2008 21:34:20 GMT -5
get yourself a small pump, 2nd that if you're setting up your new tank near the 10 gallon....get an air pump and some clear plastic hose and an airstone (they come in packs of 3 I think - cheap!) provide some surface agitation! if your water level is too high in your tank, your hob doesn't provide enough surface movement/oxygenation....put 1 tsp of salt in your tank if it doesn't already have salt in it....are the plants new? how long have you had it set up?
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Post by Carl on Dec 29, 2008 22:46:03 GMT -5
The air stone that Murdock mentioned or an additional filter such as a Hydro Sponge Filter for better bio filtration (which will aid in removal of bio wastes that may be part of the cause of this "slick") The use of an air powered filter such as a Sponge Filter will break the surface tension as Murdock suggested. As well, bikeguys suggestion of using a paper towel is a tried and true method for temporary removal as well, especially if this is a one time occurance. I would also suggest dropping your water level so as to get more "splashing effect' from your HOB Filter. BTW, what model HOB is yours? The bottom line is what Murdock stated, you need more surface agitation. More filtration added to help with this & would be an added bonus for both filter redundancy and bio filtration. carl |
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Post by murdock6701 on Dec 29, 2008 23:06:44 GMT -5
I'd exalt all of us on this one! clean up donward's algae and we can call it a week right? LOL! forgot to mention a water change might be in order, taking off 10% right off the top - have seen stagnant water/"oil" slicks before and a water change and a little salt cured it right up - filtration is also the key but get some water movement in there girl!
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Post by sammiesam on Dec 29, 2008 23:42:49 GMT -5
couldn't the substance be caused by having stuff on your hands, like lotions and stuff, they'll separate in water anything like that, if you had it on your hands before cleaning the tank and stuff, so maybe just make sure you clean your hands well before cleaning too
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kassidi
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Post by kassidi on Dec 30, 2008 0:39:23 GMT -5
woo! I never thought of that Sammiesam! But I dont think I had any lotion on... I just barley did a water change, and added the plants 2 days ago. I will be setting up a new tank in my room... a 55 gallon... but you know how they have those bubble walls that you just stick to the bottom of the tank, and it creates bubbles? I was going to get one of those today, but decided against it... Would this help the issue?
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Post by murdock6701 on Dec 30, 2008 8:01:47 GMT -5
yes, the bubble wall will help but make sure you put some kind of check valve in the air hose so you gan regulate the air flow - not all fish like rapid air or water movement - what you want is "some", in both tanks - good point Sam re: hand lotion - even soap will do that - any time you put your hands in your tank, they should be clean, but soap and oil free - don't imagine nail polish is all that good either - rubber gloves may be the answer, don't know about the affects of latex type surgical gloves.....
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Post by Carl on Dec 30, 2008 10:54:14 GMT -5
That is a good point Sam! This is where bikeguys suggestion of a paper towel would be helpful, as this is usually a temporary problem. However looking at the surface of your water, more agitation is still needed (if a dissolved oxygen test kit is available, you may consider testing this parameter; it should be over 5 ppm). What is your current Filter? The Bubble Wall (with a control valve as suggested by Murdock) would be good, although I still have suspicions that you may need additional bio-filtration as these slicks are more common in tanks with poor filtration; in this case an air powered filter such as Sponge Filter would help, as would an Internal Filter with an aerator Carl |
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Post by murdock6701 on Dec 30, 2008 12:09:18 GMT -5
as Carl mentioned, filtration is an extremely important matter and it would be helpful to know what make and size you have on the 10 gallon - we know it's an hob but is it, for example, a whisper 10 or a topfin 20?......most of us here overfilter - this will be helpful for you when you go to select a filter for your new 55 gallon - Carl also sells aquarium products so he knows what is best or will work best for your needs - good luck!
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kassidi
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Post by kassidi on Dec 30, 2008 12:20:50 GMT -5
Right now I have a HOB filter, and the brand of it is Top Fin 10. Is that a good one? It came with my tank set up, so idk :S I don't know anything about filters... That sponge filter is what I would want to use with sand right? *reads down the page* O.O TEN DOLLARS?!?!?! You've got to be kidding right?! I looked at all sorts of different models for my 55 gallon yesterday, and the cheapest one I could find at my pet store was $70 dollars. Is there any recommendations on what to get for my 55 gallon? I kinda looked around yesterday, but I didn't know what I was looking for lol If that Hydro Sponge #5 Pro filter goes up to 125 gallons, is that going to create to much suction for the fish? I like how they are fry safe, then if the baby's survive the other fish, they don't have to worry about surviving the filter too lol... Wow maybe the set up for my 55 gallon isn't going to cost my arm and leg |
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kassidi
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Post by kassidi on Dec 30, 2008 12:22:46 GMT -5
OH! and how much noise does the sponge filter make?
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kassidi
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Begining Fishkeeper
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Post by kassidi on Dec 30, 2008 12:35:08 GMT -5
Where is a good place to get water test kits? I don't have any :S
Another thing I just noticed, (and I didn't know if I should make a whole new thread) but I was looking at my neon tetra's and they have some kind of white bubble on their chins, 3/5 have it. One has 2 bubbles of it, but its not on any other part of their body. They wouldn't hold still long enough for me to get a good picture. But I'll try to post it when I get one.
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Post by murdock6701 on Dec 30, 2008 12:45:15 GMT -5
I used the hydro#5 sponge in my 125 gallon pond - worked like a charm! still need a good sized pump for it so don't let the price of the filter deceive you - pumps aren't cheap, but the filter will alsp provide you w/ aeration - you're going to want some plants or decor to disguise it a bit because it's in the tank and BIG and not really esthitically pleasing to the eye....good choice thoug - I'd upgrade your filter in your 10 gallon to a topfin 20 or whatever brand you desire but kick it up a notch!
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Post by Carl on Dec 30, 2008 12:47:06 GMT -5
OH! and how much noise does the sponge filter make? The only noise is from the air bubbles, if you also by a air diffuser, the noise will be minimal. These filters can also be run with power heads as well which make minimal noise (depending on brand though, as some such as the Penguin are quite noisy). Sponge filters do not use gravel and have minimal suction, even with the larger #5 Pro, this is why they are popular for fry. The biggest negative with larger Sponge filters is not suction, but simple size and space that they take up in the aquarium, which can be unattractive if a large Sponge Filter is used in small aquarium. Hiding a Sponge Filter can be relatively easy though, especially in larger aquariums. As for the Top Fin Filter, this is a mass market economy version of the Whisper Filter. They are not bad for the price, however they lack the bio media sponge many higher end Whispers have and also have poor impeller design as per reliability. I definitely do not recommend a Top Fin be a sole filter for most aquariums. I recommend reading this article as well as the Sponge Filtration Article I noted earlier: Aquarium Filtration; FiltersCarl |
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kassidi
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Post by kassidi on Dec 30, 2008 12:48:22 GMT -5
 It's kind of hard to see...  |
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