Re: White film

[IDMiamiBob@aol.com]

In a message dated 10/31/00 11:44:41 AM Mountain Standard Time, 
emartina@uiuc.edu writes:

<< I just started up a new 37 gallon tank last Wednesday. The gravel is 50%
 epoxy coated gravel and 50% laterite. The tank is planted, has one large
 piece of drift wood and one large lace rock. I am using a Fluval 304
 canister filter. I also have 10 danios in it for cycling purposes.
    When I filled the tank it got very white and cloudy, as I expected. It has
 cleared up some, but not completely yet. What concerns me is that the lace
 rock (and only the lace rock) has this white film covering it now. I am
 thinking it is some sort of bacteria. Does anyone have any ideas? Is this
 good, bad, neutral? Thanks!
  >>

It's "dust" from the laterite.  You are using WAY more than recommended.  10 
grams per gallon is all that should be needed.  Since your 37 gallon is 
actually a 30-gallon with extra height, you need three inches of gravel with 
300 grams in the bottom two inches.  Is the amount you're using a problem?  I 
don't know.  I'm fairly certain though that the white on your rock is 
sediment from the the initial cloudiness caused by too much laterite.

Bob Dixon


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