algae in a cycling tank

[alphabetta]

i have a halfway cycled 10 gallon planted tank that is suddenly outbroke with white algae. Anyone with any suggestions what I should do to get rid of this stuff?

[aquariumfishguy]

This is most likely an "algae bloom". My guess is after a few more water changes, and when the tank becomes stable it should go back to the norm. Hang in there, its the hardest thing to watch when your tank is overcome with something such as a bloom.

[alphabetta]

You know what, I dont think it is algae. After doing some reading ang Googleing, it doesnt fit the description of ANY algae I came across. Its translucenty white, its SLIMEY like snot and right now its only on the driftwood thats in there. Does that sound like any algae to you? One article I came across had the exact description of this and said it was a bacteria. Suggested to fix it, time and maybe some pond snails. So does anyohne think this is algae or not? And has anyone dealt with a bacteria in a tank before?

[aquariumfishguy]

It's not technically "algae" but it's easiest (and lazy of me) to call it such. However, it is a diatom of some sort most likely bacterial. It can still come from a bloom and it will go away. If you could share some links with us that would help many out there in need of help as well. I've never had this happen to me, but I know TONS of people who report seeing this stuff.

[alphabetta]

Ok...here's a couple links, they are pg 1 and pg 2 of a thread concerning this slime. I also on another board "talked" to some ppl who had direct experience with it. Apparently its a fungus or a bacteria and it will go away after the tank stabilizes. I have removed about 80 to 90 percent of it by hand as they suggested, and I hope it doesnt come back. It was pretty much impossible to get it all.
Its not dangerous to fish either.

Pg 1: http://fins.actwin.com/aquatic-plants/month.200208/msg00123.html

Pg 2:http://fins.actwin.com/aquatic-plants/month.200208/msg00289.html

HTH anyone who has to deal with this too.

[aquariumfishguy]

Thanks for sharing with us. I'm sure this will help people down the road, both the educator and the one learning. ;)