I think I may have a fungus

[psychic.pain]

I just recently purchased a piece of driftwood from Drs. Foster and Smith. I soaked it for 3 days and put it into my planted tank. Soon after a opaque film started to grow on the surface that was exposed to the light. So I took the driftwood out and boiled it for a few hours. After putting it back in the film did not go away. Here's a pic. C:\Documents and Settings\User1\Desktop\06_22_07_2127.jpg

[psychic.pain]

I can't figure out how to get a picture onto the site so I guess you'll just have to go with the info I provided. Sorry

[Lady Hobbs]

Click on Go Advanced under the posting box and add your picture where it says Manage Attachments.

Pictures can only be added to the body of the post if they are on a website.

It does sound as something is leeching from your wood but wood that is purchased has all been treated previously. You will get tannins, a yellowish color to the water, for some time but it is not harmful to fish. But tannins are not a film so I don't know what the problem could be.

[psychic.pain]

I think the picture is now there and I have a theory that the film could be snail eggs. Inside the film there are small white orbs. I am going to let it grow for a bit and post clearer pictures of the problem. By the way I don't currently have any fish in the aquarium.

[cocoa_pleco]

eeewwwwww, maybe hydra???

[psychic.pain]

What exactly is a hydra and how can you go about getting rid of it?

[cocoa_pleco]

its a parasite that is introduced from wood and plants from a natural river and or lake. its harmless to fish and grows large tentacles. fry however may get eaten though. boil the driftwood in a large pot for a few minutes to kill it

[psychic.pain]

I did some research into hydra and saw some pictures and I can pretty much rule hydra out. New pictures will be up tomorrow.

[psychic.pain]

It is growing fairly rapidly. Here are some better pics. I've already boiled it for a few hours. Hope someone can help.

[Bill Brasky]

You are soon to be the proud parent of a whole lot of snails. :D

[Lady Hobbs]

That's what I thought. Sure looks like eggs to me.

[psychic.pain]

I found out that if I don't want all those snails I can just put a piece of cabage on the surface of the tank and they will leach to it and I can pick off the unwanted ones. Is this true?