Hello All!
I am beta378, and am newbie to this site, and a novice at best to aquaria.
Here is what is going on:
I am beta378, and am newbie to this site, and a novice at best to aquaria.
Here is what is going on:
So I recently decided to begin a f/w tank project. I was careful in planning and read up on and selected what I thought were good products (See Below). I then shopped around and slowly purchased the aforementioned products and assembled the tank.
The problem didnt arise until I began selecting decor for my tank. I wanted it to really be nice looking almost picturesque. I was considering substrate and decided on decorative rock commonly found in small plastic mesh bags at department stores. Unsure whether this was a safe substrate I spoke with an individual at my LFS, and we both decided I would soak them in my sink for a few days first as a trial run.
What I felt could be the issue was the "clear coat" that is applied to these types of stones. I was unsure if it would fail underwater.
Well anyhow after the first few days in the sink it seemed ok. So i added it into the tank and turned everything on. It looks great by the way.
Then a few days later I noticed a thick frothy foam on the surface of the water. It was a bit unusual by appearance so I began to look into it. After reaching in the tank I noticed it was adhering to my arm and leaving behind a black colored residue on my skin. Also, the rocks are "slimy" to the touch, though it feels like if you rub them the slimy aspect disipates (perhaps can be cleaned off). At this point the temperature was at 81 degrees F.
Anyways I figured a few 50% water changes over 6-8 weeks might solve the issue. Though now I have the tank drained to about 7% volume and am considering perhaps adding vinegar to clean off the substrate, of course then doing several flushes of the tank with my gravel hose.
I am not sure of any of these steps and am seeking any advice and or experience with this type of concern that may be applicable.
Dont not fear, I wouldnt dare add fish to this tank until I was absolutely sure of the water quality. I do not fully understand the nitrate cycle yet but look forward to reading on this site and learning.
Also, I am not sure of the species this tank will house in the future. But I know I am interested in f/w goby's.
Sorry for the long post (my first ever)
Thanks in advance for your attention to this concern!
Regards,
beta378
Equipment:The problem didnt arise until I began selecting decor for my tank. I wanted it to really be nice looking almost picturesque. I was considering substrate and decided on decorative rock commonly found in small plastic mesh bags at department stores. Unsure whether this was a safe substrate I spoke with an individual at my LFS, and we both decided I would soak them in my sink for a few days first as a trial run.
What I felt could be the issue was the "clear coat" that is applied to these types of stones. I was unsure if it would fail underwater.
Well anyhow after the first few days in the sink it seemed ok. So i added it into the tank and turned everything on. It looks great by the way.
Then a few days later I noticed a thick frothy foam on the surface of the water. It was a bit unusual by appearance so I began to look into it. After reaching in the tank I noticed it was adhering to my arm and leaving behind a black colored residue on my skin. Also, the rocks are "slimy" to the touch, though it feels like if you rub them the slimy aspect disipates (perhaps can be cleaned off). At this point the temperature was at 81 degrees F.
Anyways I figured a few 50% water changes over 6-8 weeks might solve the issue. Though now I have the tank drained to about 7% volume and am considering perhaps adding vinegar to clean off the substrate, of course then doing several flushes of the tank with my gravel hose.
I am not sure of any of these steps and am seeking any advice and or experience with this type of concern that may be applicable.
Dont not fear, I wouldnt dare add fish to this tank until I was absolutely sure of the water quality. I do not fully understand the nitrate cycle yet but look forward to reading on this site and learning.
Also, I am not sure of the species this tank will house in the future. But I know I am interested in f/w goby's.
Sorry for the long post (my first ever)
Thanks in advance for your attention to this concern!
Regards,
beta378
- Marineland 37G Tank
- Black Wooden Stand
- Marineland C-160 Canister Filter
- JBJ 5W UV Light Sterilizer
- Aqueon Heater
- Lee's 50' Ultimate Gravel Hose