Fungus Among us

[jratuszn]

I have a paludarium-type setup, using lava rock. Because it is so porous, the rock tends to wick up water and stay damp. I've recently noticed a bunch of white specks (it almost looks like my rocks have ich ) on some ov the rocks, especially in the damper areas. Is this a fungus? If so, what should I treat it with? It is only present in areas above the water line, so I was considering using hydrogen peroxide as a spot treatment, but that wouldn't stop it from coming back. Any ideas?

 

[sweetsuvvyb]

You can use Tea Tree Oil to get rid of molds/mildews (which i'm guessing is what you've got, given the warmth + dampness of an aquarium), actually, and it shouldn't be harmful to your fish (it's what's in melafix). I'd say spot treat the areas you see now, then maybe mix up a dilute solution in a spray bottle to use as a preventative....although you might just want to treat when you see, so you don't end up exposing the fish to a lot of the oil.

good luck!

 

[Guest]

It could be mold, fungus, or mineral deposits.

Minerals from your water could collect there, as your water evaporates, leaving minerals behind.

No idea how to clean it.

 

[jratuszn]

I think I may just try planting moss over the real problem areas, and just using spot treatments to occasionally get rid of the rest of it.

Thanks!

-J