Fuzzy tank stuff and plants

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nejohnrob

Aquarium Advice Apprentice
Joined
Aug 1, 2021
Messages
12
Hello everyone,
I am doing a fishless cycle with fish flakes and brine shrimp cubes, although I am about to try ammonium chloride. Nitrites and nitrates seem to be present, but my ammonia levels stay low. Anyway, fuzzy stuff is growing on my substrate and decor. Is this something I should be concerned about? I have pics below.

Also, I am doing live plants as well. I have a couple--one is a Java Fern and I'm not sure the name of the other. They seem to have some spiky growth on the leaves and black patches. Is this okay? I have planted some bulbs as well but they haven't emerged yet. I have pics posted below.

I started my tank on July 4th, so patiently waiting before I add any fish! Thank you for your help and feedback!
 

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Hi, this fuzzy stuff usually appears during cycling. My guess is it’s either a harmless fungus or biofilm. It appears as fast as it’s gone. The cloudy water suggests you’re going through the bacteria bloom phase of cycling, so it all adds up.

If that Java fern is planted in the substrate, which it seems to be from what I can tell, take it out and attach it to a rock or wood piece using string. Java fern is not to be planted in the substrate, and doing so will kill it.
 
Looks like mold from the decomposing food you’ve been adding. Best way to cycle is with pure ammonia or do a fish in cycle with a couple hardy fish (this way requires more testing and a lot of water changes)
 
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