What is this crud on the suction cups?

[Barliman]

Hi all,

I was testing the water in my cycling 20-long tonight, when I noticed a weird white buildup on the suction cups of the heater. Here's a photo:

You can see where I rubbed a bit off: it dispersed like a powder, making me think this is some sort of precipitate. I'm doing a fishless cycle with ammonium chloride. Are these deposits a result of that? Any potential problems I should be aware of?

 

[connorMV]

As far as I'm aware it's nothing to worry about (I normally get it on my suction cups) and I'm sure it's calcium. Hopefully someone can confirm (or correct) for you tho

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

[Barliman]

As far as I'm aware it's nothing to worry about (I normally get it on my suction cups) and I'm sure it's calcium.

Thanks, I think you're right. It came off pretty easily.

 

[lksdrinker]

Could be calcium or some other hardwater deposit; or more likely its biofilm growing in the tank which is a good thing! Shrimp love it!

 

[Barliman]

Hmmm... I hadn't thought of biofilm.

 

[54seaweed]

I used to get that crusty build up on my suction cups , I remove the suction cups and soak in hydrogen peroxided . it takes it right off be sure to rinse afterwards ,