Is this ich?

[MRshouty]

I am currently cycling my 15 gallon tank me and my om (suspecttdebbie) bought a brand new heater for it.

Recently I noticed this:

I believe it is ich but I am not sure, if it is how do you all propose I should get rid of it?

If not what the hell is is?

Thanks

 

[David]

Try boiling it for 10-15 minutes. That shoudl get rid of any bacteria.

 

[David]

Alternately, why not scrub it off with a sponge.

 

[Never2Bknown]

I can't see how it could be ich, as ich is a parasite that resides just beneath the fish's epidermis while it is on the fish. Not only do heaters not have an epidermis, but they're not exactly alive, either. The cysts of ich that you find on aquarium plants/etc. are soft and jelly-like.

I have no idea what it could be. It looks like some sort of build-up or deposit, but I'm not sure. I'd just keep an eye on it and an eye on your fish; it might be nothing. Could be something, though, so watch it carefully. Is there any way you can clean it off? Might also help you determine what it is.