Help! White Fuzzy Spots Everywhere! Fungus? Bacteria?

[fishmad135]

Came home today after leaving my fish tanks in the care of my parents and on my return i found this:
 

Any ideas what it could be and how to treat it? 
Thanks 

 

[LyraGuppi]

Perhaps Hydra? That's strange!
 
http/freshaquarium.about.com/od/problemsolving/p/How-To-Combat-The-Aquarium-Pest-Hydra.htm

 

[fishmad135]

Hi LyraGuppi, I've googled Hydra and I don't think that's what it is, sadly! It looks more like a fungus? They all seem to be stationary - haven't seen any of them moving! 
 
Anybody seen anything like this?! 

 

[Bubbelzzz]

Looking at the picture, I would also suggest a hydra instead of fungus. 
It looks more like some sort of tentacles than fluffy hairs.

 

[fishmad135]

are the tentacles not too short and stumpy for hydra?
What should I do?!

 

[fluttermoth]

Yes, those aren't hydra.

I would suspect a fungus, especially if your parents have been looking after the tank; most non fishkeepers overfeed, and that would cause this sort of fungal outbreak.

Cut back on the feeding, and do a few extra water changes, and it should clear up

 

[Bubbelzzz]

Still not convinced that it might be fungus. It doesn't look like fungus to me. Escpecially since they do not look like fine hairs and spawn in nice groups. With fungus you would expect a blanket of fungus through the tank.
 
There are more species of hydra so that's why I thought it might be hydra. However, I do agree that the tentacles might be too short.
 
So I looked further and found an other possible explanation, namely Vorticella. These are normally harmless creatures, but when they settle with too many in the gills of the fish they might make breathing very hard for the fish.

 

[Byron]

Given that these are stationary, fungus or mold is likely what it is.  I've never seen it "live."  Fungus and mold can appear with an increase in organics, which is likely what occurred here as someone else mentioned.
 
Byron.

 

[fishmad135]

Thanks for all the responses and sorry for lack of replying, had to go back to university for dissertation issues! After reviewing them all and researching different suggestions I have concluded that it is in fact Vorticella as Bubbelzzz suggested! On closer inspection if i put my hand in the tank next to each colony the 'tentacles' would retract inwards, I didn't realise this when I made the post! Since returning from University i have done a 30% water change and added a little aquarium salt - The next day they were gone.. just like magic! 

 

 

[Bubbelzzz]

It is good to hear that you were able to solve this problem so quickly!