Fuzz on driftwood

I've been cycling my aquarium with fish food and after 7 weeks I'm now ready to add fish. For the last 2 weeks I've noticed this white fuzz in certain places on my driftwood, mainly coming out of the nocks and crannies (see photo), but now I'm finding it on the glass and on the substrate. I don't think it's the normal fuzz you get on driftwood because it's not all over so I'm assuming it's bits of food that's going mouldy. Should I be worried about this?
Will this fuzz cause my fish problems (when I get them) and will it clear up on its own?

 

I'm no expert but from what I've read regarding my own driftwood and slime, it isn't something to worry about. Driftwood sometimes has either fungus or mold grow on it when it first gets started in a tank but it shouldn't be harmful to your fish. As long as your tank parameters are in line it's probably fine. Your fish might even enjoy eating it!

 

It’s hard to tell but it kind of looks like black beard algae, although you said it’s white, hm
Is it slimy?

 

It's fluffy white with a grey tint. I haven't touched it so don't know if it's slimy. It comes off easy so I don't think it's black beard algae. If it's the normal fuzz you get with driftwood I won't be too concerned because I've read it is harmless, but I'm worried it's rotting food in the gaps in the wood. Will that be harmful to my fish when I get them?

 

It's fluffy white with a grey tint. I haven't touched it so don't know if it's slimy. It comes off easy so I don't think it's black beard algae. If it's the normal fuzz you get with driftwood I won't be too concerned because I've read it is harmless, but I'm worried it's rotting food in the gaps in the wood. Will that be harmful to my fish when I get them?

I don’t think it’s the normal driftwood fuzz if it’s also on the glass.
I would remove as much as you can before you get your fish, just to be safe.
You should also identify it before you stock the tank, in case it is harmful to fish and if it’s something that will come back. I’m not sure what it could be and I’m not sure who to tag, sorry I can’t help

 

Could it be diatom algae???

 

Diatom algae is rusty looking stuff on the rocks and glass. This looks slimy like you said, If you think it may be old food remove as much as you can, because it can cause ammonia. If it is just on the driftwood dont worry about it.

 

Diatom algae is rusty looking stuff on the rocks and glass. This looks slimy like you said, If you think it may be old food remove as much as you can, because it can cause ammonia. If it is just on the driftwood dont worry about it.

It can't be that then. It started on the driftwood and then started floating elsewhere. I managed to get some out to touch, it didn't feel slimy, it turned black when I rolled it between my fingers

 

Is that real driftwood or fake? It is probably food if fake.

 

Is that real driftwood or fake? It is probably food if fake.

Real driftwood

 

I would remove what you can but I don't think its going to harm anything. Just watch your parameters.

 

This fuzz it strange... In the water it looks fluffy grey, when I get some out on my finger it looks brown, and when I roll it between my fingers it turns black. Its really bugging me now, someone must know what it is???

 

i have the same thing with mine I hope someone can elaborate on what it is

 

I have similar fuzz on my mopani drift wood. It doesn't bother me much and doesn't grow on other stuff. Mine is grayish in color. My water parameters are good so I'm not concerned yet. I'm adding fish in about a week. My tank is cycled.