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Rainbow on top of water
Every now and then I get a rainbow effect on the top of my water does anyone know what this is does not seem to hurt my fish but curious as to what this is . Thank u
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Registered Member
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Re: Rainbow on top of water
What type of lights are you using?
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Re: Rainbow on top of water
what the temp. of the tank? Ed
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Re: Rainbow on top of water
Hi Springer,
The rainbow is a surface film formed from protein/oil which has yet to break down to other pollutants. In saltwater it is removed by a protein skimmer at this point. The surface tension of freshwater is different so a skimmer is inefficient.
The film can have two negative effects. First, it can break down to pollutants as stated and second, it limits gas exchange between water and air. Not Good.
I feed heavily so I monitor surface film. When I do a water change, I first siphon the bottom of the tank (future surface film) and second skim surface film with a cup just SLIGHTLY tipped into the water in a slack area. You can see the film race over the lip of the cup. Lift the cup out before it fills completely or else the film immediately returns to the tank. You will notice that your fish/tank are doing best when there is little or no surface film.
Hope this helps,
Andy
Last edited by andy77; 04-09-2021 at 12:06 PM.
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Re: Rainbow on top of water
Agree with andy77.
Also when doing a wc and filters "off" (keeping water turbulence to an absolute minimum) use a paper towel and spread out of top of water. Helps absorb that oil slick
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