rhonin
03-16-2010, 02:52 PM
Thought this might interest a few folks....
I have a LFS I procure almost all of my rock from.
Anyway... I recently bought a new batch of lace rock for my 100g Tanganyikan tank, cleaned and soaked as usual and setup in a cycling tank.
Just like a number of other tanks and setups I have done...
Over the last couple of days I have started to see a thin film on the surface of the water, more like a sludge rather than an oil. I could skim it off with no problem but could not find the cause.
My son noticed one of the lace rocks in the back looked "fuzzy".
When I pulled the rock, it was covered on one side with a clear gelatinous growth - bacteria by the smell, about a 1/8" thick.
Removed the rock, checked my parameters (good), did a water change (30%). The surface slick has noticably decreased and looks to be going away.
Back to the rock....
Turns out the rock has what looks to be lichen or something similiar on one side tucked into the holes. I totally missed this when I cleaned these. As it became water logged and died, the bacteria came for a feast.
I have found no way to clean it off and the manager of the LFS said he has seen similiar occurances in his in-store setups and generally removes and replaces. He replaced the rock (with extra) for me.
No harm to the fish or plants and all looks well. Thankfully!
:22:
I have a LFS I procure almost all of my rock from.
Anyway... I recently bought a new batch of lace rock for my 100g Tanganyikan tank, cleaned and soaked as usual and setup in a cycling tank.
Just like a number of other tanks and setups I have done...
Over the last couple of days I have started to see a thin film on the surface of the water, more like a sludge rather than an oil. I could skim it off with no problem but could not find the cause.
My son noticed one of the lace rocks in the back looked "fuzzy".
When I pulled the rock, it was covered on one side with a clear gelatinous growth - bacteria by the smell, about a 1/8" thick.
Removed the rock, checked my parameters (good), did a water change (30%). The surface slick has noticably decreased and looks to be going away.
Back to the rock....
Turns out the rock has what looks to be lichen or something similiar on one side tucked into the holes. I totally missed this when I cleaned these. As it became water logged and died, the bacteria came for a feast.
I have found no way to clean it off and the manager of the LFS said he has seen similiar occurances in his in-store setups and generally removes and replaces. He replaced the rock (with extra) for me.
No harm to the fish or plants and all looks well. Thankfully!
:22: