Problems With New Gravel

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

DawnMichele

Goliath Tigerfish
MFK Member
Jun 16, 2010
1,206
1,432
179
58
Florida
Hi everyone. I recently changed my gravel in my 125 & 72. It's been 2 weeks and it has been getting a white film on the gravel and when I stir up the bottom it has a bunch of gunk in it. I used a gravel called Exotic Pebbles which I have used before in the past with no problems. Does anyone have any ideas on what it could be? Thank you.

View attachment DSC05489.JPG
 
  • Like
Reactions: tlindsey
Looks like some sort of bacterial film. Could be caused by nutrients released when changing the gravels out.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dr exum and tlindsey
It's harmless bacterial growth, you usually see it a lot on new driftwood. The first time I ever got it I was fretting but my pleco that I had at the time put my mind at rest....he ate the lot!

It helps if you can soak your gravel or driftwood in near boiling water before adding them to your tank.

If you have fish in the tank, but they're not interested in it, not all fish are, then just vacuum it out. It'll gradually disappear on its own over a period of time.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GentleGiantsCichlidKeeper, lp85253 and tlindsey
So when you removed your old gravel, you exposed the organic matter and heterotrophic bacteria to the water column. Once you put the new gravel in, it settled on top. It’s harmless, just gravel siphon and reduced the organic matter which will reduce the film. You might also notice the film on the sides of the tank.
 
  • Like
Reactions: lp85253 and tlindsey
Hi everyone. My 125 is doing better, but my 72 isn't. When you look at the tank it looks great except for when the lights are out and you can see the fuzzy stuff on the gravel. Should I cut back on feeding?
 
  • Like
Reactions: tlindsey
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom