Re: tank problems

[Christopher Brightwell <snowcat24@juno.com>]

More than likely you have a form of cyanobacteria growing in the
aquarium.  Typically they thrive in environments with high concentrations
of phosphate.  You might want to perform a phosphate test on the water
with a reputable kit, such as Aquarium Systems, and in the event that the
phosphate is over 0.1 ppm, you can either:
1.  Do a large water change with phosphate-free water, such as that
produced by RO/dionization
2.  Use a phosphate removing product, such as Kent Phosphate Sponge, to
get the phosphate concentration down below 0.1 (actually, it's better to
get it down to <0.05 ppm).
If you keep removing the slimy masses from the decor, you will slowly be
removing phosphate.  The problem is that most aquarium foods are rich in
organic phosphate, and you will just be replacing the nutrient in the
system.  So, option #1 would be the first step, followed by #2 as a
maintenance.  Just a few thoughts.
Chris
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CR Brightwell
snowcat24@juno.com
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