Hi, so I recently went to the beach and got some drift wood for my 125 tropical tank. The tank is currently cycling with no fish but idk what this is. The logs were boiled before I put them in the tank.
Mold or fungus on log?
- Thread starter Shark on krak
- Start date
Yes it's just a fungus. Usually just takes time for it to clear up. Only thing I would be worried about would be the type of wood it is as some woods are poisonous to fish and other animals. If you don't know the type of wood it is there is something you can do but it is kind of cruel. You can put in a few feeder fish in the tank and let it ride over a couple of weeks and if most survive, I would say it's safe, but if they start dieing one by one, it's a poisonous variety and will need to be removed.
I've had that stuff reappear on pieces that I have had and used off and on for years.I understand the stuff is not harmful to fish and some may even eat it but I just don't like the looks of it So I no longer use the wood.
Danio's are good for cycling. The only problem is is that poisons in the wood won't show on water tests. The only way to know for certain if it's poisonous is to sadly add a "Guinea pig" so to speak into the tank. It may be cruel but sadly it's the only way I know of to test it safely. Personally I use my convict cichlid as a "Guinea pig" as he is tough as nails and if I ever lost him I know for certain nothin could live in the tank. So far he's done just fine, never got sick or anything. Personally tho I would highly recommend a feeder goldfish so atleast if you do lose the fish it's not one your attached to and was very cheap.
how long do i need to wait to tell, i put a guppy in earlier this morning and it is still alive. how long do i have to wait? thx for the help also.
If the guppy stays alive for a couple days it's should be safe. If the wood is toxic all it takes is a couple days of 50% water changes and it would be diluted enough to be safe again. And yes a guppy should be fine as a "Guinea pig" for the tank, it should be delicate enough that if the wood is toxic that it will die before tomorrow. If it's still alive an kicking tomorrow, it should be safe to start adding other fish. The guppy should also help to keep the wood clean of fungus as well, they tend to like picking at decor in the tank when bored and or hungry.
Any idea of what ya plan on stocking the tank with?