Water quality issue?

[EasternNewtLove]

My newts tank is 20 gallons and it has elodea and some snails. There is also a bullfrog/green frog tadpole. Without the elodea, it does fine, but once I add the elodea, they water quality gets bad which I wouldn't expect. It appears there is a film or oily substance on top. It's multicolored. What's causing it and how can I stop it?

 

[Jennewt]

When you say "water quality" are you refering just to the film on the surface? Or are you also getting poor test results? If it's just the film, it's nothing to worry about. Remove it with a cup (slowly submerge so that the surface water goes in) or a paper towel.

Live plants can cause poor water quality (ammonia or nitrite) if they start to die and decay.

 

[EasternNewtLove]

It's just the I'm on top. The water seems fine other than that. Is there a way to keep it out? It's really gross :/ it also interferes when they go up for a gulp of air...

 

[Kaysie]

Add a small airstone. It'll break the surface tension of the water, and eliminate the oily film.

 

[EasternNewtLove]

Add a small airstone. It'll break the surface tension of the water, and eliminate the oily film.

Do you personally suggest any specific brand?

 

[Scorpion]

Any would work fine I believe. Just something to break the surface tension.