Slimy Sludge Inside Filter Holder - Good Or Bad?

[Starletta]

I've been meaning to ask this question for some time...  I get a slight build up of a brownish slimy sludge substance in my filter and cartridge holder.   
 
This may sound silly.. But is this the "Good Bacteria" or something that should be cleaned out periodically?  I get the heavy stuff out and leave a little behind just in case it is beneficial.  
 
Thank you.

 

[coolie]

Is it a planted tank? If so, I think you'll find it is largely the detritus and decaying matter from the plants which isn't good, but yes along with good bacteria. Wash it away with tank water.

 

[frapadoodle]

Aye, dead plant material, uneaten food, decaying poo.
Rinse in used tank water and pour it on houseplants, it's great fertilizer.

 

[Starletta]

I have one plant in there, but even before I did, I would see the slime.
Thank you - So it's not good stuff to have in the filter.. 

 

[frapadoodle]

Well, it's all the gunk the filter is getting out of the tank.
I usually don't worry about it till the flow is decreased. Then everything gets a good clean in used tank water.
Houseplants and the garden love it.