Slimy Glass In A Cycling Tank

[Winterlily]

Just a quick one here. My fish-in (just one Betta) cycling tank is about halfway through its cycle (ammonia dropped, ntrites rising). I now (just since the nitrites started to rise) have a slimy coating on the inside of the glass in the front (the bit you look into - not sure about the other 3 sides). It makes it seem a bit cloudy (the water isn't cloudy) and I'd like to know if it's safe for me to clean off while the tank is still cycling or is this something I need in there? It's of course fine either way - I just don't want to leave it there if I don't need to, nor wipe it off if I shouldn't!

 

[OldMan47]

The slimy coating contains part of your bacteria colony but you won't want to leave it there forever so you might as well clean it off now.

 

[Winterlily]

Great, thank you! It looks horrendous and is getting worse. With my nitrites as high as they are, I'm absolutely loathe to lose ANY of the bacteria so may leave it for just a couple of days, but I think I will then clean it off - glad to know it's okay, thanks! I'd like to be able to see my gorgeous red & purple betta again!