Debris Net

Debris Net

oily film on the surface of the water in my aquarium?

I have a male betta fish that I recently transfered to a new 5 gallon tank with a small heater and a little whisper filter. A few days ago I noticed what look liked oil spots on the surface of the water. It’s spread to cover the entire surface of the tank since then and bubbles almost completely line the perimeter of the tank. It doesn’t seem to both my fish, although he’s very slightly less active than usual. When I disrupt the film (which has no real color) with my aquarium net, the film actually clumps into whitish debris and slowly sinks to the bottom. I know there’s a possibility that this is just a result of a happy fish blowing bubble, but I don;t think one little fish could cover the surface of a five gallon tank in less than a week. Does anyone know what I’m dealing with here? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Its just dissolved proteins and waste in the water, you can get rid of this with carbon and water changes. It shouldn’t affect your fish unless the quality of the water is really bad.