White film on top of water

[sophie]

Hi

I change my water in my tank well 20% every week with a gravel cleaner it is a 24*8*24 tank and it has two axie's in it Elroy is my white axies and Morph is my dark natural coloured axie, can any one please tell why i keep getting a white film ontop of the tank its almost like a complete film of gue and i believe it can go some way to stopping oxygen getting in they are on a Fluval one filter as this is the only size to fit. Also Morph is a jumper I found her on the worktop last night thank god i found her quickly, what is that all about its only ever when the water is clear of the white stuff though. Thanks loads

 

[heihei]

I think that film is like a protein film, which is pretty normal in tanks; sort of a combination of residue from axies slimecoat and maybe from their food that builds up (I'm sure someone will pipe up and tell you if I'm wrong). All you need to do is place some paper towels (unbleached) on surface and lift it.

Also, some axies will at some stage try and jump out of a tank, so it's always best if you're able to put a lid or something over that will restrict him doing this. And if you have any cats, might pay to cover it so they don't decide to play with your axies.

 

[mark]

It's probably just dust. If you don't have a lid a white dust film will settle quite quickly on the surface (it depends how dusty your house is). A protein film would be oily.

Either place an air stone bubbler in the tank to agitate the water surface or get a lid to stop the dust from getting in. A lid would be a sensible option if your axolotl has gymnastic tendencies.

 

[sophie]

Thats great thanks it sounds like it could be a mixture of the two as when i remove the film it is still quite oily but I have put the lid back on to stop the dust getting in there they live in the same room as my boxer so that may very well explain all the dust thanks so this site has really helped me they are such fantastic animals with such characters that i want to make sure that they get the best of care just as they deserve!!

Thanks once again Sophie

PS I only took the lid off to help the water stay at around room temp as it is quite cold where I am they are generally at about 16°c is that ok for them or is it too cold??

 

[kaysie]

16C is perfect temperature.

 

[kaysie]

Also, a 24 inch tank is rather small for 2 adult axolotls. I suggest upgrading to a bigger tank. Axolotls prefer to have more floor space, as opposed to a higher water column.

 

[sophie]

Yeah i know but its quite long I think I got the dimensions the wrong way round it 24" long 8" wide its only for now cause neither of em are very big Elroy is at his biggest 5" and morph 3 1/2" I keep looking for a better tank but have not found one yet they seem ok for now but it will change soon may just get them a huge fluval tank like my trops have got