Question: Film on New Tank

[madamemonochrme]

Hello everyone
I've got a 6 inch axolotls I've raised from a mere 2 inches ready to go into her new 20 gallon long tank in about a week or so.
I bought the save aqaurium sand and rinsed it really well before placing it in the bottom of the tank. It's been about three days now and the water is still a bit cloudy which I figured is probably normal.
Well I'm noticing a strange film starting to form on top of my water, when I tried to remove it with a cup it got dispersed throughout the tank so I changed half the water. I'm just wondering what this might be.
Chemicals added:
Repto Safe water conditioner
API Stress coat

 

[madamemonochrme]

oh and the tank water is testing at perfect as far as ammonia and nitrate and nitrite and ph and alkalinity and everything is concerned

 

[Mortimer]

This happened to my tank when my canister filter's input hose was partially blocked.

 

[FX1C]

Have you got a filter or air stone in the tank? If there's nothing to circulate or aerate the water while it's sitting then the film is a sign that the water is stagnating - Obviously it's very early stages. Running a sponge filter would help with clearing the cloudy & stopping the build up on surface.

Another thing that could cause the surface film is any sprays in the air (air freshener / deodorant / perfume... etc)
If there's no chance it could be any of those then see above

I look forward to seeing pictures of the tank & it's new occupant



<3 >o_o< <3

 

[FX1C]

Are you adding water conditioner & stress coat?

I'm pretty sure they are both the same product - a dechlorinator. You don't want to be over treating the water (always measure really accurately - I use a measured syringe) - that too could be the cause of the surface film.



<3 >o_o< <3

 

[Traxolotl]

Most of the time its a protein build up from uneaten food. To get rid of it just lay a few paper towels on top of the water and it will soak it up instantly.

 

[Petersgirl]

I'm attaching a couple of photos - sorry to hijack, but I was wondering if your water looked a little like this?

I seem to have the same problem and I recently removed my air stone, so that might be the cause - my air pump was busted so I had to remove it. I'm also using the dregs of an API Stress Coat + bottle which seems much cloudier and thicker than the rest of the bottle - although I'm using the same amount as always. I'll try a new air stone and the paper towel trick and see if it clears up. Thanks for starting the thread and for all the help! I was getting really worried - I'd done 3 50% water changes and it just wasn't going away.

What about you, Madamemonochrme? Is your water sorted now?

 

[Petersgirl]

The paper towel trick and reinstalling my new airstone worked wonders! Thanks guys!