General Care Discussion :: Scum on the Surface of the Water?

[byc605]

Hey Everyone,

Well i did some research on the web, and it seems that i have protein scum or some kind of bateria on the surface of the water. It's of a whitish clear color and bubbles within it. It is slimy and its hard to break the surface of it, as it just forms back together right away. I do feed my turtles pellets in the tank so im leaning towards protein scum. I tried feeding my turtles in a seperate tank/container, but they seem to get stressed out easily and therefore do not eat. Also i have a couple of rosey reds in the tank that i don't feed but feed off of the little bits and pieces the turtles leave behind. Has anyone else experienced this and what is the best way to prevent or get rid of it or is the best way to get rid of it is to buy a surface skimmer? I read online about using a paper towel to skim the surface as well breaking the surface of the water to drown it.

Thanks!

[byc605]

Also does this scum on the surface hurt the turtles in any way?

[Daniel3507]

i had it in my tank. it doesnt really hurt the turtle. it just keeps the water from being very oxygenated. the cheapest and easiest way to get rid of it is to buy an air pump and an airstone. it will agitate the surface of the water and break up the film. and as a plus alot of turtles really like the bubbles

[BullDog]

In addition to what Daniel said, if you can aim your filter output toward the surface, that will also help clear it up. Basically, anything that will break up the surface of the water.

[steve]

A surface skimmer did not work for me. My turtle made too many waves for it work properly.