Tank Problems

[ninjatsu]

For the last couple weeks I have had a problems with this black coating on my decoration and live plants. I have only been into this hobby for approx. 2 months so I am completely stumped on what it is.

Setup:
10 gallon
Marineland Bio-Wheel Penguin 100 filter
15 watt 5500k light (runs 10-11 hours)
Temp: 76*F
20% water changes a week
2 Tetra's

Api:
pH- 8.2
Nitrite- 0
Nitrate- 0
Ammonia- 0

 

[Paavn]

it looks like some kind of fungus or algea
if you've added something new to your tank in recent weeks it could be the cause

 

[paul_219]

I had the same problem. Well i had been told to decrease the hour of light oper day not 10 to 12 hours. I have been putting them on for 6 hours per day and it seems its working. Try to do the same thing.

 

[Colin_T]

It looks a bit like blue green algae also known as Cyanobacter bacteria. This stuff is often associated with excessive nutrients, low oxygen levels, poor water movement, and old lights. It is characterised by its rapid growth. It can spread overnight and covers everything with a black, dark green, brown or red coloured slime. Often it will lift off in sheets and pieces of it float around the tank.

Try syphoning it out each day and clean the gravel as well. Reduce feeding especially with dry foods. Increase water movement and see how it goes over the next few weeks.