Mopani wood

[erikmoseley]

Good morning everyone is there a reason why my mother mopani wood keeps getting a white slimy film on it every time I put it into my tank? It doesn't occur on any other decorations and I've taken it out a couple times and cleaned it but yet the film comes back. I didn't boil it or soak it or anything I just rinse it off in hot water it didn't change my water color or chemistry at all. I'm letting it sit in a bucket of hot hot water right now but don't know if I will put it back in

 

[Mogurako]

It hasn't cured yet, wood that hasn't been submerged for any length of time will develop the fuzz you're describing. Just leave the wood in a bucket or the tank for a couple of weeks and it will go away on its own. It won't harm your fish/inverts/plants.

 

[erikmoseley]

It hasn't cured yet, wood that hasn't been submerged for any length of time will develop the fuzz you're describing. Just leave the wood in a bucket or the tank for a couple of weeks and it will go away on its own. It won't harm your fish/inverts/plants.

Thanks for the info !!

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

Yeah that white stuff is a fungus that grows to consume the organics in the wood. Once it's all gone the fungus goes away. Otos, Shrimp, and Nerites eat it, but these probably won't work in a cichlid tank..or you can wipe it off during PWCs.

 

[erikmoseley]

Yeah that white stuff is a fungus that grows to consume the organics in the wood. Once it's all gone the fungus goes away. Otos, Shrimp, and Nerites eat it, but these probably won't work in a cichlid tank..or you can wipe it off during PWCs.

Thanks. Ill leave it in a bucket for a week. It's been in tank a week and its gross to look at! Tank decor is waaaay better w it in there though!

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

It would be best if you can boil it to leach out the tannins as well.

 

[dragonfisher33]

hi, i think i might be having the same problem. i got a piece of wood from the reptile section of the petstore. it's been 2-3weeks and the wood sinks alright but it's got a grey film over it and the water smells so bad, is this the same issue that the OP is dealing with?

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

Do you know that type of wood it is? If not, post a picture. Not all wood is suitable for aquariums and can rot.

 

[erikmoseley]

Do you know that type of wood it is? If not, post a picture. Not all wood is suitable for aquariums and can rot.

Was labelled mopani wood. Pic of top and bottom.

 

[dragonfisher33]

it's a mopani alright. does the water smell?

 

[erikmoseley]

Not that I noticed.....

 

[pcdebb]

mine smelled awful at some point. I've been soaking mine for weeks. I try to change the water every day or every other day. it's coming out clear and the "slime" has greatly diminished. this might be going in my discus tank.