Biofilm?

[Bob_99]

I did a forum search on "biofilm" and found 221 entries, I read them all. About a month ago I turned off my air pump and removed the bubble wand from the tank. I have since noticed a film form on the surface of the water, biofilm. Doing a Google search I read that it consisted of a protein mat and that it would inhibit the exchange of gases in the tank. Meaning carbon dioxide would not be released and oxygen would not be absorbed. Everything points to this being bad for the inhabitants of the tank. On the other hand, everything I've read on this forum states that biofilm is necessary. I have noticed a few shrimp swimming upside down under the water surface, I assume they are eating this biofilm. I have also read on the forum that biofilm occurs on all the surfaces in the tank, if so, would it be beneficial to eliminate the "surface" biofilm? Several posts indicated that the shrimp do not eat the algae, but rather eat the biofilm that forms on the algae. If I drop an algae wafer in the tank the shrimp swarm to it. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Varanus]

The posts saying they don't eat algae are referring to the macroalgae Mustafa sells, which the shrimp just scrub the surface of. They certainly do eat normal, single-celled algae.

And perhaps the biofilm mat on the surface does interfere with the exchange of gases to a degree, but one thing about supershrimp is that their oxygen needs are very low, and the waste they produce minimal, so this doesn't seem to effect them negatively at all. Also, provided the tank doesn't have excess nutrients, the surface film shouldn't remain all that thick (snails and shrimp can eat away at it until its barely noticeable).

[Bob_99]

Thanks for the quick reply. Your answer makes sense.