White filmy stuff

*edit "WHITE filmy stuff"
I just noticed this in some airline tubing. It's on the stone as well (tubing and stone currently not in use).
When I bumped the tubing some sloughed off and is floating around in the tank.
Is this normal?






I just turned the pump on and it looks like a blizzard in there. I'm kinda freaking out.

 

I am unsure on the white film, but you can baffle the filter so the current isn't too strong for your betta.

 

I've seen that before and I've even tried it myself.

It can be.

Excess bacteria (did you / do you use products?)
Dust (if your hood is open this is most likely the case)
Not enough water flow (I think that's your problem)

So try getting more circulation first.

I am almost (you can't promise anything) certain its not harmful

 

Everything cleared up pretty quickly (I turned the bubbler off right away because the betta was getting blown away)
The reason I've added the bubbler is because I don't feel the filter circulated the surface enough and the water gets a bit stagnant and filmy on top.
I still see more of the stuff clinging to the air line. It's weird tho because I don't have it anywhere else in the tank that I can see.
Not sure how to baffle and aqueon quiet flow. He doesn't seem to be bothered but maybe I don't know the signs.

 

For the bubler if you think it's too much, you have 2 options I can think of.

1 (Free): Tie a knot in the hose and tighten it or loosen it to let more or less air through ((I currently do this))
2 (costs a few bucks): Get a gang valve and put it inline in your hose. It will have a little level to open and close the airflow to let more or less air through.

 

For the bubler if you think it's too much, you have 2 options I can think of.

1 (Free): Tie a knot in the hose and tighten it or loosen it to let more or less air through ((I currently do this))
2 (costs a few bucks): Get a gang valve and put it inline in your hose. It will have a little level to open and close the airflow to let more or less air through.

Great suggestions. Thanks!
I've heard that restricting the airflow can decrease the life of the pump (I guess it doesn't matter if I need it anyway!) but just curious if that's true.
I'm also searching for a solution for my hood which has exposed bulbs.
It's fine till the bubbler goes on and then it gets drenched. Yesterday I bought one of those hinged glass tops to go under the hood but it restricts my access. Going to call glass companies today. This 10 gal starter kit is going to cost me more in the long run!

 

I could see it possibly lowering the lifespan of the pump, but most pumps are fairly cheap price wise.. and They have several year life span, so if it only takes a few months out of it, not a big deal


I'm surprised your starter kit had exposed bulbs. And the hinged glass may be your best option. Buying glass and having it cut can be kind of expensive ((because you would want it cut then either have them round or bevel the corners because you don't want to cut yourself)) Just curious which starter kit? And are the bulbs actual bulbs or LED lights?

 

It was an aqueon 10 gal kit with an incandescent hood. I've replaced the bulbs with CFLs. It stays mostly dry without the bubbler as my filter doesn't splash.

 

OK here is what I would do if it was me, but I'm willing to do a little work))... Get a small piece of plexiglass, or hard plastic sheeting ((clear obviously, I would advise like one of those sheets used for covering florescent lights)))) and make sure it's fairly thin. You only need a piece as big as the lid, or slightly bigger.

Other things you will need.. Duct tape, or some other type of good securing tape that can come off ((I'll explain why later)), a utility knife, and a drill with any size drill bit.

1. Place the piece of plastic sheeting on the side of the hood you pictured.
2. Using the utility knife just etch the plastic near the inside lip of the hood (does not need to be exact).
3. Cut along the etched lines you made
4. Place the plastic in the hood to check for fit, and trim whatever you need to to get it to site inside the hood
5. Take the piece out and drill a few holes about where the empty space it on either side of the lights for ventilation
6. Now put it back in, then tape it to the hood. I would advise on one side or the other to fold over about half an inch onto itself so you have a pull tab to remove if you need to change lights.

Over the next few days just check the hood to make sure it's not getting too hot. If it appears to. Remove the plastic and drill a few more holes. But CFLs don't give off much heat so should be ok.

 

OK here is what I would do if it was me, but I'm willing to do a little work))... Get a small piece of plexiglass, or hard plastic sheeting ((clear obviously, I would advise like one of those sheets used for covering florescent lights)))) and make sure it's fairly thin. You only need a piece as big as the lid, or slightly bigger.

Other things you will need.. Duct tape, or some other type of good securing tape that can come off ((I'll explain why later)), a utility knife, and a drill with any size drill bit.

1. Place the piece of plastic sheeting on the side of the hood you pictured.
2. Using the utility knife just etch the plastic near the inside lip of the hood (does not need to be exact).
3. Cut along the etched lines you made
4. Place the plastic in the hood to check for fit, and trim whatever you need to to get it to site inside the hood
5. Take the piece out and drill a few holes about where the empty space it on either side of the lights for ventilation
6. Now put it back in, then tape it to the hood. I would advise on one side or the other to fold over about half an inch onto itself so you have a pull tab to remove if you need to change lights.

Over the next few days just check the hood to make sure it's not getting too hot. If it appears to. Remove the plastic and drill a few more holes. But CFLs don't give off much heat so should be ok.

Wow! That sounds great. Thanks! Do they sell that kind of plastic at Home Depot type places? This will be my weekend project. Thank you.

 

Yup. Home depot sells the plastics I'm talking about. The plastic covers for florescent lights would probably be cheapest and easiest to cut because it's so thin. You just need something sturdy enough not to sag.