Dirty Glass

Ciglesias · Dec 18, 2018

Hey guys I was just wondering if you could identify this substance on my glass. I believe it is some sort of algae most likely a diatom. All I have in my tank is 2 clowns, 2 green star colonies, 2 zoa colonies, and one macro algae. I recently did a water change with distilled water and changed out the filter floss, media, and added a pack of fluval CLEARMAX. I was wondering if someone could identify what it is and how I could remove/prevent it. Thank you!

declanisadog · Dec 18, 2018

Welcome to R2R!!! Get used to it. You're always going to have build up on your glass. the only thing you can do is limit nutrients to make cleanings less frequent. Most people use magnetic glass cleaners for easy clean up.

Burrito · Dec 18, 2018

get a mag cleaner, its normal and unavoidable

Ciglesias · Dec 18, 2018

declanisadog said:
Welcome to R2R!!! Get used to it. You're always going to have build up on your glass. the only thing you can do is limit nutrients to make cleanings less frequent. Most people use magnetic glass cleaners for easy clean up.

Thanks for the reply! That’s kind of what I thought but just wanted to make sure. Is it at all harmful to my tank?

declanisadog · Dec 18, 2018

Ciglesias said:
Thanks for the reply! That’s kind of what I thought but just wanted to make sure. Is it at all harmful to my tank?

nope. Only harmful to your view

saintsreturn · Dec 18, 2018

looks like the same stuff i have on mine... and most of us do lol. All good. When you scrape it, you will see your fish go after it. Welcome to the site

Ciglesias · Dec 18, 2018

declanisadog said:
nope. Only harmful to your view

Ok awesome. There is quite a bit on my rock as well. Is that fine as well?

declanisadog · Dec 18, 2018

Ciglesias said:
Ok awesome. There is quite a bit on my rock as well. Is that fine as well?

Normal in new tanks. Blow it off with a turkey baster if it bothers you, but it will probably get a lot worse before it goes away completely.

Geebs19 · Dec 18, 2018

Welcome to R2R! As stated above its totally normal.

Ciglesias · Dec 18, 2018

declanisadog said:
Normal in new tanks. Blow it off with a turkey baster if it bothers you, but it will probably get a lot worse before it goes away completely.

Awesome I will try that! Thank you so much for your help!

vetteguy53081 · Dec 18, 2018

Typical buildup. The more intense the light, the more you will get this and have to clean. I have 3 tanks and have to do the glass cleaning regimen every 2-3 days. Only takes a few minutes total with magnet cleaners.