Aquaclear sponge filter turning PINK?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
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BassetsForBrown

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Dec 2, 2012
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Boston
I use the sponge media from a HOB Aquaclear to cover its intake tube. Fish kick up sand, and plant particles always seem to end up causing problems without it. I just rinsed it off in my sink because it was getting brown and nasty, and I saw a pinkish coloring. After rinsing off all the debris I saw a decent portion of the sponge is now a pink color. Not splotches or patches, more like an even blend. I've never seen this before, is it normal/harmless?
For those of you unfamiliar with AC sponges, they are a beige or brownish-white colored fresh out of the package.
I didn't use any soap or bleach on the sponge, just my tap water.
 
Its just from the food you feed your fish. The filter pick's up the particles of pellets or flake that is shot out of the fish's gills while it is eating. I feed hikari sinking pellets wich are red in color and that is what stains the foam filter part. I wouldnt worry about bleaching them just rinse out with warm to hot tap water. It might not get all the pink out but the pink color doesnt do anything but stain the filter foam. I switched to a smaller medium pellet to help with the waste the bigger pellets cause.
 
my aquaclear sponge did the same thing - I assumed it was from the food since it's red...
 
I emailed Tetra regarding this issue, and they said that there is a red dye used in most foods as it was "requested by consumers". That's funny. I emailed them complaining my water kept getting a pink hue to it. Doesn't sound very "consumer requested".

Fishkeeping is my cocaine.
 
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