[strayner]

About 19 days into my cycle i've noticed buildup of white filmy stuff. It seems to really like surfaces with silicone, like my airline tubing and suction clips. Definitely not algae, and the hitchhiking snails from the plants i've gotten seem to eat it sometimes. It comes off surfaces really easily. What is it? I'm guessing this is normal, I'm just looking for some confirmation

[Cgy_Betta_Guy]

I had the same thing happen when I first cycled my new tank. Was told it was diatoms and also had hydra which look like little tree like critters when inspected closely. Its normal and will go away eventually. I think my swords even ate some of it.

[strayner]

It's definitely not hydra or diatoms either, haha.

[BettaFishMommy]

i used to get the same gunk in my betta tanks (10 gallons each, heated, filtered). I was told (can't remember by whom) that it is a hard water thing. never did research it further so not sure if that is correct, but it hasn't developed in my bigger tanks ever, even using the same deadmonton water and even the same suction cups on the heater.

[strayner]

BettaFishMommy, on 08 February 2010 - 08:04 PM, said:

i used to get the same gunk in my betta tanks (10 gallons each, heated, filtered). I was told (can't remember by whom) that it is a hard water thing. never did research it further so not sure if that is correct, but it hasn't developed in my bigger tanks ever, even using the same deadmonton water and even the same suction cups on the heater.

hmm.... ever have any adverse affects because of it?
I would like to know more

[BettaFishMommy]

never had anything adverse happen to fish or snails. it felt gross on the fingers when wiping it off though! lol. you might find with time that it will go away.

[randy]

I have had this happen on the start up of a new tank, (did you reseal the tank) It eventual went away (wiped it off) there were no adverse affects.