Algae? Bacteria?

[haigyfish]

Hey y’all cleaning my filter sponge today rinsing in water. Just did a dip in old tank water and for the sponge part I just rinsed with sink water. Was curious what this sluge where the filter dispenses water could be. Was like a brown paste . Hard to tell but I rubbed my finger across and it had some guck

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hey y’all cleaning my filter sponge today rinsing in water. Just did a dip in old tank water and for the sponge part I just rinsed with sink water. Was curious what this sluge where the filter dispenses water could be. Was like a brown paste . Hard to tell but I rubbed my finger across and it had some guck

Will be easier to determine if water were not running. Shut filter off for a minute while you snap a couple of pics. My suspect is sponge but need to see clearer

 

[Rick's Reviews]

Hey y’all cleaning my filter sponge today rinsing in water. Just did a dip in old tank water and for the sponge part I just rinsed with sink water. Was curious what this sluge where the filter dispenses water could be. Was like a brown paste . Hard to tell but I rubbed my finger across and it had some guck

Keep at it, I know it's hard to resist and I'm sure you have but avoid smelling it lol, do this requrely, it will help it function normal

 

[Eienna]

Edit: I misread the question, sorry! Sometimes algae does grow in the waste that can collect there on the edge. Not really anything to worry about, though - just try not to let that fall in the tank when you clean it off.

 

[haigyfish]

Keep at it, I know it's hard to resist and I'm sure you have but avoid smelling it lol, do this requrely, it will help it function normal

So I should be wiping TBAT bacteria off? I was worried I would mess with the bacteria colony I’m a new to this all

 

[Eienna]

Nah, wiping that sludge off won't hurt anything. It's more of a detritus trap than anything else.