Scum on water surface?

[pollyandpear]

What causes this scum that when touched breaks into white bits? How can I stop this

 

[hypnogogia]

Increasing surface agitation should remove it, but a photo might help.

Getting rid of surface scum - Aquascaping Wiki

For a clean water surface

www.aquasabi.com

 

[Andy Pierce]

It is biofilm. An airstone in the middle of the tank will disrupt it and keep it away.

 

[pollyandpear]

ThNk you

 

[pollyandpear]

Could a marine wave maker work? Would that also create currents and add oxygen?

 

[_Maq_]

Could a marine wave maker work?

Basically, the water in the tank should always be kept moving. Specialized shops are full of suitable machines of various designs and prices.

 

[seedoubleyou]

Cheap surface skimmer will do the trick for you. It will clear up that water and provide some Water movement too.

 

[dino21]

Your surface looks very still, do you have enough circulation in the tank ?

We have used one of these little surface skimmers for years, very easy to use and quiet, the outlet is 125mm under the surface it should not cause too much of a problem for your floaters, but it will soon clear the surface scum.
We replace the filter pad with a thin peice of filter floss a couple of times a week.
If its flow causes the floaters move around too much you can use a couple of suckers and a piece of clear airline tube to create a retaining ring.

Aquarium Surface Skimmers for Sale - Allpondsolutions

 

[MichaelJ]

It is biofilm. An airstone in the middle of the tank will disrupt it and keep it away.

I agree and if you already have an air pump this is by far the cheapest solution.

@pollyandpear, It's not uncommon for a new tank to develop surface film - it will recede as the tank matures, but you should do something about it now, as you surface appears to be extremely stale - not a good situation.

Cheers,
Michael