Fungus on Driftwood

[Morganna]

Hey y'all!
I know that most of the time, growth on the wood isn't harmful, but I want to be safe than sorry. So, I would love it if y'all would just confirm it isn't toxic or something. It's maple wood from a dead branch that fell from my tree, and I boiled for only a few hours just to kinda sanitize it before putting in the tank.
I have used a turkey baster to remove a couple of times, but it just keeps growing back.
If it is safe, will neocaridina shrimp eat it? I ask because I want to stock this tank with them.
Thanks!
-Morganna

 

[Morganna]

The tank is nasty with algae growth, I know!

 

[Rocky998]

Looks like the "normal" fungus stuff... I wouldn't worry too much

 

[Byron]

There is no way to tell if a fungus/mold is toxic or not. It depends upon the species, and a microbiologist would have to examine/analyse it to know, externally there is no difference. Maple as a wood should be safe, it is a hardwood, and provided it completely dried throughout after it left the tree it should be safe as wood. But of course, no one can tell about the fungus. If the fish show negative reaction, get rid of it. I had a branch of wood some years ago with a toxic fungus, and the fish first became lethargic, with increased respiration. It was clearly the wood. There is no way of removing this, I tried, but it came back several weeks later and in that tank fish began dying before I spotted one tuft on the back side that I had not seen.

 

[Morganna]

Okay! Thank you so much for the informative response @Byron! I really appreciate it!

 

[Colin_T]

Agree with @Byron, you can't tell the difference between harmless and toxic fungus on driftwood in aquariums unless you are a fungus specialist.

Take the wood out and hose any fungus off. Then put the wood back in the tank.

Monitor the fish, shrimp and snails in the tank and if they start dying for no apparent reason, remove the wood and do a 90% water change. See how they go without the wood in the tank. If they are fine without the wood in the tank, then the wood is producing toxic fungus.

 

[Morganna]

Monitor the fish, shrimp and snails in the tank and if they start dying for no apparent reason, remove the wood and do a 90% water change. See how they go without the wood in the tank. If they are fine without the wood in the tank, then the wood is producing toxic fungus.

That's a bit of a problem, as I don't have anything in the tank yet. And when I do put something in there, it's going to be a bit harder to decide if it's the wood or something else.
But I will absolutely keep these instructions in mind for the future.
Thanks!!

 

[PheonixKingZ]

That's a bit of a problem, as I don't have anything in the tank yet. And when I do put something in there, it's going to be a bit harder to decide if it's the wood or something else.
But I will absolutely keep these instructions in mind for the future.
Thanks!!

I would go ahead and take the wood out and wash it, regardless if there is livestock in the tank.

 

[Morganna]

I've already washed it once, the other times I just kinda "sucked" it out with the turkey baster. It just grows back so quickly!

 

[Rocky998]

I just let it go... I don't worry about it unless my fish start acting weird.
Sure it's unsightly, but it goes away on its own.

 

[Morganna]

Okay, I know I just recently discussed this, but I'm one to get a little paranoid, so I'm bringing it up again.
I scrubbed the stuff off as was suggested, and it made the tank look so much better! BUT, it quickly grows back, like by 3 days you see signs of it again, and then it just keeps growing.
It doesn't leave on its own. Also, water parameters are perfect, but the tank smells awful whenever I leave the lid open ( so I keep it closed, obviously).
Also, I just noticed this stringy stuff growing off the top (which is out of water, but still moist), and that's the reason I'm posting again. I'm seriously disturbed by this stuff...

Like, ughhhhh.....

Any input or advice is so appreciated. I'm picking up some neocaridina tomorrow, so I really need to know whether or not I need to chuck this stuff.

 

[Morganna]

Oh, also, the stringy stuff is only on the one piece of wood pictured, in case that makes a difference.

 

[Rocky998]

That's.... Weird... Sorry, I got nothing

 

[Slaphppy7]

Looks like bean sprouts, lol

I've never seen that before on DW

 

[Morganna]

Believe me, it looks like wayyy grosser in person....
I have some shrimp to put in the tank, but am afraid if the stuff will kill them.
Should I just chuck the wood to be better safe than sorry?