Strange substance in the tank

[richardh]

My freshwater tropical tank is now a week old and has had fish in it, 5 red eye tetras, for 4-days. I've noticed today a strange almost clear substance, almost like someone has sneezed, clinging around the large fake rock I have in there. Any ideas what it could be?

I've tested the water and zero ammonia, nitrites or nitrates so far. Help!

 

[librarygirl]

Can you post a pic? It could be a lot of things. Are you overfeeding? Do you vacuum the substrate? It could be old food that has gotten moldy but without a picture I can't say for certain.

Also keep an eye on your water and be ready to start doing water changes once the ammonia starts to rise. There's a link in my signature: new tank with fish that'll help.

 

[richardh]

See pics attached. On both, the substance is clinging to the bottom of the hole in the centre. It's almost like a cobweb gently blowing in the current.

I've not hoovered the substrate yet as fish have only been in their 4 days. I doubt I am overfeeding (1 per day) and make sure they eat it all and remove any excess straight away. I will certainly keep an eye on the water quality. Thanks for the link.

 

[Austin.b]

See pics attached. On both, the substance is clinging to the bottom of the hole in the centre. It's almost like a cobweb gently blowing in the current.

I've not hoovered the substrate yet as fish have only been in their 4 days. I doubt I am overfeeding (1 per day) and make sure they eat it all and remove any excess straight away. I will certainly keep an eye on the water quality. Thanks for the link.

It is actually a type of bacteria. I'm extremely sure, I have had this (and still do) in my 10 gal nurserey, but strangely never had it in my 40. It has never harmed any of my fish

 

[richardh]

Bacteria, hmmm. Hope it is the good kind! I will monitor the water quality as a matter of course anyway, since it's a new tank.