Aqua Clear Sponge Filter Turns Red

[CaliLifeStyle]

I have a 55 gallon with an aqua clear filter. Lately when I've been doing my water changes and filter media rinses, I've noticed that the sponge filter is red. Out of fear of it being a bad thing, I've been replacing it because I think it's red algae. Any ideas?

[emptywallet]

have you been doing anything with the water latley like adding red sand or something idk im guessing here

[CaliLifeStyle]

have you been doing anything with the water latley like adding red sand or something idk im guessing here

Nothing unusual. I've had the tank running for over two years doing regular water changes, I'm not losing any fish yet. I just don't want to end up losing any.

[beblondie]

it's normal relax-Anne

[CaliLifeStyle]

How is it normal? I never had it before. Maybe it would help if I knew what it was.

[TwoTankAmin]

Over time the sponges discolor from the pristine white to a dull orange/red. It is natural and nothing to get you worried. You risk doing more harm to your bio bed from constantly changing sponges than from the color change.

[H3D]

None of my sponges have ever turned red. Brown/green yes.

Just a thought what color is the substrate?

[CaliLifeStyle]

Yeah mine usually turned brown. That's why I was concerned about it. Thanks for all the input.

[jaysen]

maybe your water is turning to wine? time to repent...

[CaliLifeStyle]

That's a good one. If the water turns red then I will.

[Reddog80p]

:rofl:

[Draal5]

are you using any of the color enhancing foods? as their color is primarily red it makes the mulm a reddish color. plus any food that gets sucked in by the filter would give it a red color.

if not head to church:rofl::laugh:

[CaliLifeStyle]

I've been using the same food as usual. Nothing is different except the sponge. I guess I won't worry unless the fish get ill

[Blueiz]

To ease your mind, tst your water parameters.. Have you changed anything with the lighting in your tank? If the fish are acting normal, I say just keep an eye on it. Its a good thing that you are concerned about a change in your tank..shows your care for it..:)

[Fordtrannyman]

Do you wear glasses? Just kidding. I would not be concerned.

[NickD]

maybe your water is turning to wine? time to repent...


are you using any of the color enhancing foods? as their color is primarily red it makes the mulm a reddish color. plus any food that gets sucked in by the filter would give it a red color.

if not head to church:rofl::laugh:

Repent? Head to church? I say rejoice and throw a big party!

[CaliLifeStyle]

Oh yeah, nothing like drinking wine with fish poo in it.

[Blueiz]

Do we need a time out? Lets please be respectful of ppl that care enough about there tanks to ask a question when they feel something isnt right..:)

Thanks.

[jaysen]

lol too funny. are the sponges slimy with the red stuff? i had a fungus grow on my filter pads that was red and slimy. it may be that. i know that food that gets sucked up if it is red it will turn slimy red as well when it decomposes.

[CaliLifeStyle]

lol too funny. are the sponges slimy with the red stuff? i had a fungus grow on my filter pads that was red and slimy. it may be that. i know that food that gets sucked up if it is red it will turn slimy red as well when it decomposes.

Yeah, I'm thinking that's what it is also.

[CaliLifeStyle]

Have you guys been drinking?

[Blueiz]

Please keep on topic,

Thanks,
Blue

[CaliLifeStyle]

Anyways, thanks for your responses.

[pinkertd]

Are you feeding something different lately? Some flakes will do that.

[CaliLifeStyle]

Are you feeding something different lately? Some flakes will do that.

I feed them the same fish food as always. My fishes colors all seem to be dark and beautiful so I'm assuming they are happy. I've been monitoring my light times and water changes so I guess I will just wait for now. Thanks.

[will74]

cichlid sticks will turn everything red! are you using cichlid sticks, if so maybe you are overfeeding?

[CaliLifeStyle]

cichlid sticks will turn everything red! are you using cichlid sticks, if so maybe you are overfeeding?

No cichlid sticks. Overfeeding may have been a possibility. I don't think so though.