General Care Discussion :: white foam

[hector]

I'm sure someone out there in the land of aquatics is familiar with the white saliva looking foam that forms from time to time around the edges of the water. It is saliva looking and clings around the edges of everything in the tank. sometimes I can see small clusters of this goo floating on the surface away from the edges. What is it? Is it harmful? How do I rid my turtles world of it?(if it's harmful) After I do my monthly cleaning everything is fine. But about a week later here comes the foam. When I do partial water changes it just slows the progress. Hector is annoyed! More at me trying to figure out what this is by changing lights and food. Let's see if we can help this rescued turtle out. Thank you for you time anyone who reads and leaves a comment. hector

[steve]

I usually get shed skin on the tank walls and some mineral deposits near where the filter nozzle is. Can you post a picture of it?

[hector]

I don't have a camera at this time. The foam looks like really weak soap suds. Hector's water is clear and about 78 degrees. I can see a little shed skin in the water. The twin filters I have do a good job at keeping the water clear. This is a new development. I am always careful when cleansing the tank and my hands. I only use vinegar on my hands and the tank and I make sure I rise super well. Only after I am sure my hands will not be going into the water will I wash them with soap and water to prevent salmonella.

[dumbork14]

maybe it's an accumulated protein slick? Try searching for protein slick in this forum. Other members usually recommend adjusting the output nozzle of the filter so that it breaks the water surface, or getting an air bubble/air stone. If this is not the case, a picture would definitely help in pinpointing the problem.

[adbritta]

Does the foam look like the foam one sees when waves hit the beach? My older tank used to get that from time to time. I would just do a partial water change and go on, because it didn't seem to hurt Flippy. In her bigger tank, it doesn't happen - I think maybe it's because the outflow of her filter is so much stronger that there's actually a current constantly circulating the water.

[steve]

How often do you change the water? How much water is in the tank? What kind of filter do you have?

[Ant]

You mentioned you do not have a camera, but if you have a cellphone you can take a pic with that it would help us in identifying it.