wolfman21

I was wondering if anyone could help me. Lately I've been noticing that there has been a rusty-red buildup on some places in my tank. I have an internal filter, and it normally occurs on the edge of the filter where the water enters the tank. It also shows up on some of my plants. I was thinking it was copper, but it shouldn't be, because I use Aqua Safe and that's supposed to neitralize that and other heavy metals. Does anyone know what this could be?

COBettaCouple

Does it wipe off easily with a paper towel? Any chance it's a type of algae or those little diatoms (or whatever you call those things)?

wolfman21

It comes off fairly easy. I use a sponge to clean it off and it comes off pretty easy. It's really hard to get off the plants, though-I have to scrub to get it off those. On the filter it's fairly easy to get off. I don't think it's diatoms-don't those turn the water red? Or are those dinoflagellates that turn it red. Can't remember.

COBettaCouple

i think the diatoms don't turn the water red.. it sounds like algae in your tank. I could be wrong, but best guess without a pic.

wolfman21

Why/how does the algae build up? Is it harmful to the fish? I'll have to put up a pic.

COBettaCouple

light and nutrients feed it. live plants and darkness starve it. fish like otos eat it. it's not usually harmful, but good to keep under control at least.