White Paperlike Coating forming and growing quickly

[David Potter]

Hi Forum

Thanks for allowing me to join. I have an issue with a deposit growing in my newish reef tank. The tank has been established for about 12 weeks now and contains 2 hermit crabs, and 4 snails and most recently 2 clown fish.
This White paper like deposit has been around for about 10 days now but appears to be spreading rapidly - Please picture. Today I noticed the clown fish were not as active. I tested the water today and all good, and did a 25% water change whilst brushing this deposit hopefully to be sucked away during the drain. However, the deposit although brushed to break it up just sinks to the bottom of the tank. Can anyone please help to identify the problem and recommend treatment. Is it harmful? I would hate to lose any stock.

Many thanks in advance...

 

[David Potter]

Hi Forum

Thanks for allowing me to join. I have an issue with a deposit growing in my newish reef tank. The tank has been established for about 12 weeks now and contains 2 hermit crabs, and 4 snails and most recently 2 clown fish.
This White paper like deposit has been around for about 10 days now but appears to be spreading rapidly - Please picture. Today I noticed the clown fish were not as active. I tested the water today and all good, and did a 25% water change whilst brushing this deposit hopefully to be sucked away during the drain. However, the deposit although brushed to break it up just sinks to the bottom of the tank. Can anyone please help to identify the problem and recommend treatment. Is it harmful? I would hate to lose any stock.

Many thanks in advance...

PS - The shells are empty and just decorative. They were sterilised before introduction to the tank. I suspect the deposit is coming from the marine food I have been using as it appears and spreads where food has landed on the bottom of the tank.

 

[Aliciasch]

following.
I am assuming it's growth/mold from the food you're feeding. My algae feeder seems to be growing this same coat if i leave it long enough without changing/cleaning

 

[David Potter]

Many Thanks, do you know if it's harmful to marine stock?

 

[BeejReef]

Beautiful rock! You grew that coraline in 3 months, or you had established rock?

Are you dosing anything to the tank? Could that be precipitant? Have you checked cacium, alk, mag?

 

[SDK]

It looks like a bacterial film.

Can you please post tank size, what you are using for filtration/circulation and what the parameters actually are?

 

[Aliciasch]

Many Thanks, do you know if it's harmful to marine stock?

If its bacterial, it could be harmful.
when you did your water change, have you tried a vacuum, or you just brushed it?

 

[David Potter]

following.
I am assuming it's growth/mold from the food you're feeding. My algae feeder seems to be growing this same coat if i leave it long enough without changing/cleaning

Sorry for the late reply. I have reduced the feeding and it appears to be diminishing now. I have made 2 water changes and the fish appear a lot happy too. Many thanks for your help with this.

 

[David Potter]

Beautiful rock! You grew that coraline in 3 months, or you had established rock?

Are you dosing anything to the tank? Could that be precipitant? Have you checked cacium, alk, mag?

I cheated and purchased the rock already. Sorry for the late reply. I have reduced the feeding and it appears to be diminishing now. I have made 2 water changes and the fish appear a lot happy too. Many thanks for your help with this.

 

[David Potter]

It looks like a bacterial film.

Can you please post tank size, what you are using for filtration/circulation and what the parameters actually are?

Sorry for the late reply. Tank size is 50 Litre. It is one of these self contained nano reef systems. I think it was the food, I have reduced the feeding and it appears to be clearing up now. Thanks very much for your help.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Bacterial it is. Siphon up right away and reduce feeding quantity and stop using type of food to see if it dissipates from tank.