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Old February 22nd, 2008  
Fish Bum
 
What is the brown build up on everything ?

My water is finally crystal clear , but now there is a brown substance on almost everything in the tank. My fish even seem to be eating it . My albino sharks are cleaning areas that they are eating , but they cant keep up with the build up . Will this stuff hurt them ? The brown stuff is even in my tubes leading to and from the filter .
What in the world is this stuff , please help . I hope something as simple as cleaning everything will cure this problem . Or is it a problem ? I dont even no what it is .
lovethosefish is offline  
Old February 22nd, 2008  
Fish Addict
 
diatoms. its a algy that grows in new tanks. algy eaters treat it like candy its good for them. you can keep wiping it off but it will go away in around 6 months.
King_Snuggles is online now  
Old February 22nd, 2008  
Fish Bum
 
I was thinking about taking everything out of my tank and doing an extreme cleaning tomarrow . But I guess I will think about it a little more now . I will research diatoms some more. Thank You for giving me something to work with .
lovethosefish is offline  
Old February 22nd, 2008  
Moderator
 
This is just one of the stages new tanks go through If you take everything out and clean it the tank will go through a mini-cycle. Just grit your teeth. You can reach in and clean things a bit with your fingers if you want then when doing gravel vacs clean it up some.
Carol
Butterfly is online now  
Old February 22nd, 2008  
Fish Bum
 
I have sand , but I wont take out everything and clean it . I have pleco , 2 loaches , and 2 albino sharks . They should do a fine job of cleaning it up , shouldnt they ? My fish also seem to be eating it . Will it also leave the tubing in time ? It looks nasty , like i havent cleaned my tank . YUK !!!!
lovethosefish is offline  
Old February 22nd, 2008  
Moderator
 
It should leave in time, if the fishes are eating it let them have their treat
Carol
Butterfly is online now  
Old March 23rd, 2008  
Fish Newbie
 
My tank is going through this as well.

I understand (now, after reading this thread) that it's a temporary problem, but......

If your tank size and temperament will allow it, would getting a bottom-feeder or algae eater type help?
shooter_tx is offline  
Old March 23rd, 2008  
Moderator
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by shooter_tx View Post
My tank is going through this as well.

I understand (now, after reading this thread) that it's a temporary problem, but......

If your tank size and temperament will allow it, would getting a bottom-feeder or algae eater type help?
Hi Shooter,
In my experience I have found that the oto does a wonderful job of cleaning up the diatoms. they love the stuff! I had three in my tank for awhile and they did a great job... but more oto's the better!

~ kate
capekate is online now  
Old March 24th, 2008  
Fish Addict
 
yeah i agree with capekate i have otos as well and they treat the stuff like candy!
King_Snuggles is online now  
Old March 26th, 2008  
Fish Addict
 
I have 2 snails and a clown pleco that completely decimated the diatoms we had going on. It was insane. Took a complete wall that had become covered and cleaned it spotless in less than a week.
FL CommunityFans is offline  
Old May 12th, 2008  
Fish Newbie
 
Thanks for the info and advice, capekate, K_S, and FL CF.

FL CF: As much as I'd like one, I probably shouldn't put a clown pleco in my 10gal. I've already got a Cory cat, as well as two and a half red mickey mouse platys. I've seen various descriptions that put the clown plecos as anywhere from 3.5" to 5.5" fish. It may technically "fit," but I wouldn't want to put any 5.5" fish in a 10gal. Maybe when I get another tank.....

So what kind of snails are we talking about?
shooter_tx is offline  
Old May 13th, 2008  
Fish Newbie
 
Shooter, do you still have diatoms? Mine lasted for about 2-3 weeks, then was gone like it had never existed with no outside assistance.
nugzboltz is offline  
Old May 15th, 2008  
Fish Newbie
 
They fluctuate, but still haven't gone away completely.
shooter_tx is offline  
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