Red strings?

[Tyler Conrad]

Hi all! Can anyone ID this? My tank is about 3 months old. Started seeing this yesterday and it is spreading fast! It started on the sand, but is spreading to rocks as well. It looks like red hair. Any advice on what it is and how to get rid of it? Thanks!

 

[Big G]

Part of the "new tank uglies." Siphoning it off of the rocks, glass and sand works. Use a siphon hose with a toothbrush attached to the business end of the hose. Works pretty good if you place the return end into a filter sock hanging in the tank. This way you can endlessly clean. Work very, very slowly. Water changes, filter sock changes are a good thing while the "uglies" are happening. And check your parameters to make sure your nitrates and phosphates are not at zero.

 

[DaveWasabi]

Thanks for the tip, Big G! Will keep that in mind.

 

[Big G]

Thanks for the tip, Big G! Will keep that in mind.

You are welcome
Heat up the toothbrush and bend the brush end just a bit. The angle makes cleaning the glass and rocks a bit easier.

 

[r1ckep]

You are welcome
Heat up the toothbrush and bend the brush end just a bit. The angle makes cleaning the glass and rocks a bit easier.

I know this is an old thread. But could you post a pic of your toothbrush/siphon contraption? Thanks.