KLA6373

I have been fighting this for the last two years. My plants just dont seem to do well, and I can understand why. I am on rural water, and I know my water is hard, but I have never had this problem before. I am getting a dark brown and white crunch build up on everything, from the smallest plant leaf to the sides of my tank. I assume the brown would be algea, but what could be causing the crunchy part. It is like a plaque, I have to scrub my Anubis plant with a tooth brush, and scrap with my fingernails to clear it off.

I have tried softened water at 20% change a week, it made no difference. I have tried blacking out the tank for many days, no difference.

I have talked to local pet stores and they are all convinced its just algea. I have been looking for answers everywhere. Can anyone help me on this?

I can not seem to get a pic to load, sorry.

susitna-flower

HI, WELCOME TO FISHLORE!

Sounds like what I get in my tea pot! I'm on well water also, very hard, and the calcium collects, and there is a rusty iron color to it....the flakes crunch as you describe.

Vinegar should disolve it, but you certainly wouldn't want to use that in a tank that is up and running.

I would say the best thing I can think of for a long term solution is to get a RO water filteration system.

The first thing though, that I would suggest, is to get an API Master test kit, and start testing your water, if you will post the results for the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate tests, it will help us understand what is going on with your tank, and may have more suggestions.

KLA6373

Finally!! I have the test results.
Amonia and Nitrites 0ppm
Nitrates 20ppm
ph is 8.2 in the tank and 7.2 from the tap