red sponge??????

[JoeHemey]

So i was cleaning my aqua-clear filter of all the gross algea since i moved my gf out and when i went to clean the sponge it was RED.....it was never red when the gf where in it so im thinking it was the six neon tetras that i put in there from the 45 gallon i got......any ideas????

[OrionGirl]

Couple things--anything that is leaching tannins? They can dye the AC sponges various shades. I have one that turned pink, while others don't change color at all.

Other option--cyano bacteria is usually a slimy red coating, and it could be coating the sponge.

I doubt it has anything to do with the neons...Sorry.

[JoeHemey]

any steps i can take to prevent it or is this fine to leave like it is

[OrionGirl]

Is the sponge slimey, or just discolored? The discoloring is no big deal, but slimy could be bad news. I keep using my discolored ones with no problems.

[JoeHemey]

yes there was a slime to it i thought it was algea though.....

[OrionGirl]

I would replace the sponge if there is algae on it, especially if it's red cyano. Putting the sponge back in will mean all the spores get blown about the entire tank, where they will grow.

Sounds like the filter needs to be cleaned a bit more regularly.