Clear/White film?

[Savvy1985]

While doing my 75% water change after a month long cycle, I noticed there's a film built up in the tank, even though there has not been anything in it besides water and decor. I'm assuming this is bio-film, which is pretty common with sitting water, but I just want to make sure it's nothing to worry about? I don't want to do a full tank clean and have re-start the cycle all over again.

Thanks!

 

[CaptainK1088]

It sounds to me like biofilm. I had a similar situation. When doing water changes, I just hit all problem areas with a sponge, then performed my water change with a siphon-vac, trying to suck up any residue. I also buy ghost shrimp to help keep the tank clean. They not only eat the biofilm, but also any leftover frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp the axolotls might not get to. As long as you don't mind the axolotls having a ghost shrimp snack here and there, they're one of the only recommended tank mates for an axolotl, other than another axolotl. The pet store up the road from me sells them for like $1.15 a dozen. Some people suggest that you "quarantine" your ghost shrimp in a different tank before you add them to your axolotl tank, just in case they are sick. I personally have never done this in either of my fish tanks and have never had a problem.

 

[Caesar]

While doing my 75% water change after a month long cycle, I noticed there's a film built up in the tank, even though there has not been anything in it besides water and decor. I'm assuming this is bio-film, which is pretty common with sitting water, but I just want to make sure it's nothing to worry about? I don't want to do a full tank clean and have re-start the cycle all over again.

Thanks!

I think I have the same thing. I have been looking forever for someone to post a picture of what bio-film actually looks like or what a healthy filter cartridge looks like but can't find any.
What does yours personally look like?

 

[Savvy1985]

It's literally just a clear/white-ish film. It seemed to float in strips, not huge chunks. If I was able to get some on my skin, it wouldn't have any texture, except a slight slimy feeling. I got a self-start water vac, but it didn't seem to help with whatever it is. I assumed it's biofilm, but I hate assuming things rather than asking!

 

[Donna001]

Biofilm does feel slimy. Just clean up any unsightly parts, but don't clean all of your decor or tank walls because they will have the essential bacteria that are part of your nitrogen cycle, as these don't just inhabit your filter.