Moldy mass in tank... *sigh*

[staceyanna]

I just posted yesterday about doing my first water change. Today its something else... Murphy's law I tell ya!

I have a mass of clearish white moldy cottony stuff at the bottom of my tank. The tank water is clear as a bell and I just did a 25% water change yesterday so it cant be dirty. Ammonia level is okay and the filter is running fine. Only thing I can think of is overfeeding... I got some danios a few days ago and they are real PIGS hogging all the food that ever sets foot in the tank. My tetras and silver dollar at the middle/bottom can't get a lick in edgewise! So this morning I intentionally (and stupidly) overfed, and the danios obviously couldnt eat it all but alot of it fell down and the poor tetras must have been starving cause they were running like mad to get the scraps, the silver dollar as well!

Only thing is now, all the uneaten food has made this moldy stuff that showed up after about 3-4 hours and I JUST did a water change yesterday. This is a new tank and doesnt have much algae formed, so I really dont want to disrupt the gravel much, cause my ottos have to eat. Is there any way to get this crappy mold outta there or do I just let it run its course? Will it harm the fish at all?

 

[Blueiz]

This is either moldy food from a few days ago, or a dead fish. My guess is moldy food. It had to have been from at least 2 or 3 days ago. Just remove it if possible with your net. This will add to your nitrate levels. It should not hurt the fish and yes you can let it run its course, just make sure you do your water changes and maybe do 5 percent extra until it is gone.

 

[staceyanna]

No dead fish, all are accounted for... Must be some old food. You said I can let it run its course, will it hurt my otto cat if he puts his mouth on it?

I cant try to remove it right now cause it would require me having to take out a substantial amount of water (at least 4 inches) in order to reach it even with a net. Tank sides are 22 inches tall and the water level is only an inch off the top, I have to lean into the tank to even get to reach the gravel/plants/etc and the nets I have are all pretty short. Hopefully letting it run its course is alright cause I didnt notice it til an hour ago and I have to get the kids to bed and myself as I have work in the morning... *sigh*

 

[misscrosson]

Yeah... I also have a tall tank... but I'm always putting my hand and arm inside the tank do clean and do whatever I need to do...

just make sure that you don't have any lotion or anything like that on your hand or arm that might be deadly to the fish...

 

[Blueiz]

Not it won't hurt him, they no better than to eat it