Brown Stuff On Decorations?

[anusingh88]

Hey Guys

I'm a newbie, I got my 5 gallon tank 3 weeks ago, it was uncycled, but I changed the water every other day (50%). Sushi is eating fine. Although I can't figure out what all this brown stuff is...is it algae?

Also, how do I know my tank is cycled?

this is sushi showing off

and more

Thanks for your help! If my pictures don't show up let me know, because I'm new and I'm trying to figure out everything

 

[lilacamy931]

hey your pics are fine! Sushi is gorgeous looking

Have you a test kit to watch the water parameters as without not sure how you are going to tell.

As to the brown stuff does it wipe off easily? Try it, it may return as algae does. Is the tank near any windows or doors that provide direct sunlight?

 

[anusingh88]

hey your pics are fine! Sushi is gorgeous looking

Have you a test kit to watch the water parameters as without not sure how you are going to tell.

As to the brown stuff does it wipe off easily? Try it, it may return as algae does. Is the tank near any windows or doors that provide direct sunlight?

Hey!

I went and bought a test kit because i hate being uncertain.

So here it is,

Ammonia: 0
Nitrate: 0-5 mg/L
Nitrite: 1-2 mg/L
Hardness: 75 ppm (Soft)
Chlorine: 0
Alkalinity - 80 - 120 ppm (moderate)
pH: Around 8 (so the water is pretty basic...This is what stood out the most)

And I gave him a dried blood worm today, and he just looked at it...he loves pellets though....

Temperature is around: 78.5 F.

Thanks for your help...

Oh and the brown stuff....when i blow air into it with a turkey baster, it moves like dust and then just falls again....so it isn't sticking more that just sitting there due to gravity.

 

[lilacamy931]

hmmmm really not sure what that is! still assuming algae, try vacing or turkey bastering it off as much as possible and see if it returns. Ammonia 0 good, nitrates good. nitrites need to be 0 as well as this can be damaging long term to fish, I would do a 50% water change to get those done and get rid of the flakey things at the same time.

The kits are excellent arent they? I dont use mine as often now but any uncertaintity and out it comes.

Sorry couldnt help more, keep us posted! p.s. it is good he loves pellets maybe some unfrozen or live bloodowrm will work a treat! Have to watch mine from gorging himself.

 

[anusingh88]

Thanks for your help! Im spoiling him so much, i just bought him a few more plants.

It's always exciting to change stuff in the tank.

Ill probably post a picture of the tank later.

 

[ellena]

It's algae, which is because your tank is still cycling so there is 'food' for algae in the water. You need to do 50% max water changes to keep ammonia and nitrites down to 0.25ppm. Actually, from your other post you don't have a filter do you?
You can't cycle a tank, only a filter. Wierd to have the nitrites in a tank with no filter. Which test kit are you using?

 

[anusingh88]

It's algae, which is because your tank is still cycling so there is 'food' for algae in the water. You need to do 50% max water changes to keep ammonia and nitrites down to 0.25ppm. Actually, from your other post you don't have a filter do you?
You can't cycle a tank, only a filter. Wierd to have the nitrites in a tank with no filter. Which test kit are you using?

Yes i don't have a filter....do you need a filter to cycle your tank?

I amusing Jungle quick dip complete....this is the one the pet store used to test my water when i took it there.

I have done the 50% change and removed the brown spots using a turkey baster.

 

[ellena]

Yes, cycling basically means growing a colony of bacteria to deal with fish waste and convert it into ammonia, then nitrItes, then nitrAtes (which are harmless unless in very high quantities) which you remove with weekly changes.
The bacteria need somewhere to live which is what the sponge/ceramics etc in a filter are for. And the suction means the dirty water and bacteria are constantly meeting. With no filter, a few bacteria will grow on ornaments and gravel etc, but not enough and they will only meet the dirty water near them.
So you're destined to be changing water often for ever. The dip test kits are very unreliable. API master is what you need. Then do what you said, monitor how long it takes for ammonia to build up to 0.25ppm, say that's 3 days, you need to do water changes every 2 days to never allow it to build up.
Search these forums for directions on making a DIY sponge filter-they're so easy and work really well

 

[liz2]

Yes, cycling basically means growing a colony of bacteria to deal with fish waste and convert it into ammonia, then nitrItes, then nitrAtes (which are harmless unless in very high quantities) which you remove with weekly changes.
The bacteria need somewhere to live which is what the sponge/ceramics etc in a filter are for. And the suction means the dirty water and bacteria are constantly meeting. With no filter, a few bacteria will grow on ornaments and gravel etc, but not enough and they will only meet the dirty water near them.
So you're destined to be changing water often for ever. The dip test kits are very unreliable. API master is what you need. Then do what you said, monitor how long it takes for ammonia to build up to 0.25ppm, say that's 3 days, you need to do water changes every 2 days to never allow it to build up.
Search these forums for directions on making a DIY sponge filter-they're so easy and work really well

I am going to print that reply out that is the easiest explanation I have ever read and understood!! and I have just finished a ou course on life in the oceans!


On subject of bloodworms, when they are defrosted pick one up with a cocktail stick or similar and wiggle above the water line then at the water line your betta will think it is alive and come over fast!