Filter Gone Red!

[deepdown]

Can anyone give me any idea why a newish foam filter in my Biolife filtration system has gone bright red? It seems to have taken about three weeks to go from its normal colour (greenish) to bright (scarlet) red. I have just lost my favourite fish - a red finned shark and I am wondering if whatever made the filter go red has caused the death of this fish.

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[pica_nuttalli]

what fish have you got and what size tank is it?

 

[deepdown]

what fish have you got and what size tank is it?

Roughly its about 3ft by 1ft and about 18" deep and after my recent fatalities I have the grand total of 2 tiger barbs and 2 silver tip tetras!!

I have checked Nitrite, Ammonia and Nitrate and nothing seems out of the ordinary.

 

[WILDER]

Added any chemical or meds to the tank.

 

[jacquie]

have you got a new piece of wood? This will colour the water and the filter sponge as it removes this from the water.

 

[reg2k2]

Any red flakes/food?

 

[paulthegreat]

When I change a filter they usually go from white to red then brown. It could be the color of the food or it could be the good bacteria.

 

[deepdown]

Thanks for the replies so far. I haven't added any chemicals or new pieces of wood but there are red flakes in the food. I think I'll assume that's the cause - I've ordered a new filter element just in case though and I'll switch food and see what happens before I introduce any new fish.