-germ-
Rheophilic....
I hate to say i told you so....Maybe she has a nitrate filter, or in some part of her tank the conditions are just right to harbor the anerobic bacteria that consume nitrate.
Anyway just playing, yeah get stuck in with it, you'll find you get stronger build ups in certain areas, but no-one can remove all the detritus that builds up in their tank. You'll see the scum travelling up it if you've got the right lighting. Not as neccessary around plants as these should absorb a little of the nasties.
Glad you've got it sorted
