mollylovers

We have had our tank set up for a while now and it is fully cycled. We test our water regularly and have had no changes recently, everything is at a satisfactory level. We have one concern, lately we have noticed a black discoloration on all of our artificial plants. I am not sure if this is a mold or something. It doesn't seem to be algae. We have tried to scrub it off when we do a water change in the old tank water but that doesn't do anything to remove it. It is getting worse and I don't want it to take over. Do you know what it is and what we can do about it?

Stradius011

I've never heard of black artificial plant discoloration before but do you have a picture of it?

mistycheri

It's algae. I have the same problem with my artificial plants. Every now and then when I do water changes, I take them out and scrub them with soad and a toothbrush and it cleans them right up. I don't have the problem as much in my 55 gal. tank because I have two small and one very large algae eater in there.
Hope this helps

COBettaCouple

I'd say to be sure to rinse them REAL good with hot water after using soap on them, then lightly dry them off and soak them in a bowl of treated tap water for a little while, see if any signs of soap still on them show.

mistycheri

Did I forget to mention that? I also let them set out to dry the rest of the day b4 putting them back in the tank. I've also used an algae-control chemical in the cleaning solution to help break down the algae, and letting them soak in a solution of water and algae-control chemical for a few hours before scrubbing and rinsing good.

armadillo

Hello, MollyLovers. I don't have artificial plants, so I can't help, but I just wanted to say that I too, am a huuuuuge molly lover! Good luck with your problem. You're in good hands with these guys' advice. They've gotten me out of many a tight spot.

BrianCB

I have the same problem with mine but when I clean the stuff off and clean the tank the stuff just comes right back.