White bacteria

[myersrj40]

What is this white bacteria growing on the tank glass? It is really small and appears to be moving. It seems that it is growing at a high rate and spreading just about every where on the glass. Any ideas? Is it harmful, will it go away? Thanks.................

[wetmanNY]

Bacteria are not just small. They're really really really small. Microscopic. So if you're detecting movement of individuals, it's more likely you have a bloom of hydra or perhaps of flatworms.

[myersrj40]

And how would one get rid of this problem? Thanks...

[wetmanNY]

Two ways: Either eliminate all life forms, perhaps excluding fish, or balance the system so that no kind of organism experiences a population bloom.

First step on either path: identify the offending organism.

I always recommend www.google.com Try the IMG (image) mode too.

[bizzy928]

I have them too.

http://members.tripod.com/~lisajh62/Planaria.html

[myersrj40]

Wow, thanks for that web page link. Sounds exactly like what I have. Pretty nice web site. Going out to get a Pleco and will cut back on the feeding some. My mom justs loves to feed the little guys so I will have to tell her to back off. Thanks!

[wetmanNY]

One trick about planaria is to give live food at least once a week. Blackworms keep easily on a bed of Java Moss in less than an inch of water in a big pan. Your planarians are eating leftover flakes. Any leftover blackworms will compete with planarians for resources.

If you're getting a "pleco" check out www.planetcatfish.com for Peckoltia and other "mini-plecos" that don't max out at a foot long or more, like the Common Pleco (Hypancistrus species) you'll see at the LFS. They do cost a little more.

A fast day once a week is good for all full grown fish.