I have a painted, approximately 10 months old. S/He is in a 10 gallon tank and I am using a pretty decent filter (Eiheim). I have a submersible heater set at 68 degrees. Recently, I've noticed a thin film on the surface of the water. I haven't changed anything so I am not sure what this could be. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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Film on surface
actf
Feb 25, 2008 12:59 PM
Replies (2)
batrachos
Feb 27, 2008 12:01 PM
That's probably a protein film; they're pretty common in tanks with little surface agitation. As far as I know they're harmless to turtles.
Saltwater aquarium enthusiasts use a device called a "protein skimmer" to deal with this problem, but I don't think they work in freshwater systems. An air bubbler, waterfall, or water spray can help, anything that disrupts the surface. You can also just use a fine mesh net to scoop up the gunk periodically and dispose of it.
actf
Mar 15, 2008 11:39 AM
That's a relief! Thanks, I didn't want it to be something harmful to the little one. Thanks so much!!
