Day 5 Fishless Cycle... algae? Slime?

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Gnarls Gnarlington

Aquarium Advice Activist
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Jun 9, 2011
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I have the tank at about 87F (86.8F) and I'm on day 5. I added air yesterday and it really makes the water evaporate quickly.

It also makes water appear on the top of my tank (see photo).

I wiped it down today and noticed some little brown slime or something in the corner of the tank. I also noticed that the air hoses are slimy (less than 24 hour old hoses).

Ammonia is still at around 4ppm.

A couple of questions:

1. Is this typical to have water condensation in the top of my tank?
2. Any recommendations on cleaning the tank or wiping it down? PetSmart sells a scrubber on a stick for acrylic tanks but I don't trust them.
 

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The condensation isn't a problem...it's normal. The brown could be diatoms, but the bio-film and BA this quickly seem a bit odd to me. What brand of ammonia are you using?
 
Good...I just wanted to make sure you weren't using a brand with detergents or surfactants, but that's a good brand. It seems quick for diatoms and a heavy bio-film after 24 hours but I wouldn't see cause for concern.

I use the sponges from Petsmart without problems, but I personally wouldn't concern myself with cleaning until your cycle is done.

Are you using any seeded media?
 
Gnarls Gnarlington said:
No. I am new and don't have another tank or friends in the hobby just yet. Just following your post to a "T".

Glad to hear it. Without seeded media it can take a while before things get moving. Just have some patience and try to forget you even own the fish tank for a while :)
 
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