Driftwood Growth

[john73738]

I am setting up a new tank, and I have what looks like a fungal growth on the driftwood I put in the tank.

I soaked it for nearly 2 weeks in salt water, scrubbed it with a clean bristle brush, rinsed it well. Boiling is not an option because I do not have the facilities.

Any ideas what it is, is it safe to add fish to, and how do I get rid of it.

Thanks,

Bear

 

[Chromobotia]

I have no clue what that is. I had something similar on my driftwood, execpt it was darker (I think), prior to adding my fish. The fish ate it up, whatever it was, upon entering the tank.

 

[Michiba54]

The white stuff is harmless, my mollies/otos ate it and are fine... Some pleco will too.

Here is an article on driftwood that talks about it briefly. http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/driftwood.php

 

[Allan01230]

Yes it is harmless and will be eaten by any herbivores you may have.

 

[john73738]

The goldfish in the tank chomped on it. Clean as a babies behind now.

 

[Tanks of Steel]

It is harmless and plecos seem to like it.

BUT!!!!! You need to be careful of damaged fish with such a high spore count in your tank. A weekened slime coat can lead to a fungal infection. I have had it happen. Fungi also do not like light. Algae conquers all.