White Gooey Looking Stuff At Bottom Of Freshwater Tank

I have had a tank for roughly a week. Did everything to set it up. Went and got my water tested at Petsmart and got the all clear. I put a peacock cichlid in (water was a little cloudy). A day after I put the fish in there was white gooey looking stuff at the bottom of the tank on the gravel. The cloudiness of the water is starting to disappear, but the more gooey looking stuff at the bottom of the tank has increased. What is it and will it hurt the fish?

 

I have had a tank for roughly a week. Did everything to set it up. Went and got my water tested at Petsmart and got the all clear. I put a peacock cichlid in (water was a little cloudy). A day after I put the fish in there was white gooey looking stuff at the bottom of the tank on the gravel. The cloudiness of the water is starting to disappear, but the more gooey looking stuff at the bottom of the tank has increased. What is it and will it hurt the fish?

how big is your tank and could you post a picture of it. thanks

 

It is a 55 gallon tank.

 

It is a 55 gallon tank.

it might be a weird type of algae other than that I'm not sure

 

As of right now the cichlid is doing fine. Very active and still eating well so I’m not worried too much. Got any ideas on how to fix it?

 

Looks like the fungus I got on my driftwood but a lot more. If it’s is the same, it is harmless and should go away after a couple of WCs.

 

How often should I do the water changes?

 

Maybe a couple of 50% WCs every week. It went away for me after 2-3 50% WCs

 

Okay awesome. Should I put conditioner or anything in it as I’m doing the water changes or just tap water?

 

Always use conditioner. Tap water kills beneficial bacteria and high levels of chloramine can kill fish.

 

Would seachem prime be okay? That’s what I used to start it.

 

Seachem prime is the most known water conditioner and I say most reliable. I have 2 big bottles that will last me for a long time.

 

Alright awesome. Thanks for the help!

 

Np. I can’t wait to see the tank all cleaned up!

 

I think 75 gallon discus tank has it covered! I've never seen something like this, my only suggestion would be the same as above.

 

Tried 50% water change and cleaning of the decorations and got this.

 

Did you cycle it...I don't see the part where you cycled it. Your profile says you don't know about the nitrogen cycle

 

Yes for and got the water tested at a petsmart near me and they told me it was good.

 

Yes for and got the water tested at a petsmart near me and they told me it was good.

How did you cycle it....Just left it for a week?

But in any case...a picture of the "gooey think" might be helpful

 

I filled it up and put seachem prime in it and did a water change.

 

THa

I filled it up and put seachem prime in it and did a water change.

that's not cycling......Read yo on the nitrogen cycle. Click the letters in blue

 

So what step am I at right now? I have a peacock cichlid in it.

I’m new to this stuff so I’m not experienced on this kind of stuff.

 

Since there's already a fish in there, it's probably going through the cycling process right now. Buy some Seachem Stability to protect your fish. I also recommend an API test kit so you know your water parameters. I don't know much about peacock cichlids, are they a sensitive fish?

 

You are doing a fish in cycle....That's gonna be stress. Do you have any way to test the water in your tank. Get the API freshwater test kit. I know you asked about the gooey thing but the cycle is the most important part of any aquarium. Its the difference between life and death

You should keep the ammonia below .5ppm which means over 50% water changes 2-3 daily
I hope you have an aquarium over 50 gallons since peacock cichlids can grow to 6 inches

 

I’ve been doing 50% water changes, but don’t have the money right now to buy the water testing kit.

 

I’ve been doing 50% water changes, but don’t have the money right now to buy the water testing kit.

hope you got a large tank for that fish

 

I have a 55 gallon aquarium. I read up on the size they get to and how sensitive they are.

Do you have any idea what the white stuff could be? It’s like a free floating until it settles down and falls to the floor of the aquarium.

 

I have a 55 gallon aquarium. I read up on the size they get to and how sensitive they are.

Nice. For now keep up with the 50% water changes twice daily and Prime to re-dose.....Save of for the test kit. They are vital for a fish in cycle!!!

Do you have any idea what the white stuff could be? It’s like a free floating until it settles down and falls to the floor of the aquarium.

Can I see a picture of it...It could be lots of things
OOPS...I didn't see the picture part. It looks like a fungus
It also look slike cotton wool disease but it usually is on fishes..not decor. Can you see if there is anything fuzzy on the fish

 

This is what it looks like

 

This is what it looks like

Check out what I said above

 

There’s nothing wrong with the fish. Nothing on him and acting normal. Eating fine and very active.

It doesn’t get on the decor until it settles down and falls.

 

There’s nothing wrong with the fish. Nothing on him and acting normal. Eating fine and very active.

Just give the substrate a good vacuum. Get a gravel vac if you don't have one....The fungus thing may be living of the food stuck in the substrate

It doesn’t get on the decor until it settles down and falls.

Try and scoop it out?

 

I just actually went to petsmart and bought a vac. I’m about home and about to vacuum out the gravel. I took the decor out today during the water change and cleaned that also. I’m hoping that helps.

 

I just actually went to petsmart and bought a vac. I’m about home and about to vacuum out the gravel. I took the decor out today during the water change and cleaned that also. I’m hoping that helps.

Try and scoop it out too

 

Okay thanks for the help!

 

Yeah....sorry for giving you more stuff to worry about..... pet store employees don't usually give good information

 

That’s why I joined this forum last night. I needed help and can’t get it from them. Can’t trust em.

 

Okay awesome. Should I put conditioner or anything in it as I’m doing the water changes or just tap water?

You should be adding a dechlorinator anytime you add tap water to your tank.

 

I use seachem prime ever time.

 

Really try and buy a water test kit. The API Master Test Kits are $21 on Amazon. You have no idea what your parameters are right now so you're just shooting in the dark. Prime will help to a point but if your ammonia and nitrite levels go above 1ppm then you're in jeopardy of losing your fish so make the investment in the test kit if at all possible.

Good luck!