Strange algea on rock- what is it?

[KeddyPie]

So, I set up my new 20 gallon tank 2 days ago...No critters yet, just 6 small fake plants from my 5 gallon, white marine sand, filter, heater, and a rock. The rock was a rock I bought a few years back for my pet newt, not sure what kind it is... It's orange. Sedimentary... Meant for fish tanks.

Anyhow, I notices when I got home last night that the tank water was very cloudy... I didn't put much thought into it and went to bed. When I woke up, I went to take a close look at the tank... and noticed that the rock is now coated in a thick slimy white algea-ey goo! I'm not even sure if it's algea, but it's strange. A few strings of it are trailing off and swaying in the current the filter causes. It's rather disgusting, but still intregued me. It's white, slimy... and grew pretty thick just over night. Anyone know what exactly this is and what caused it? The tank has been in light the whole time, 'cuse I think it's pretty and because I'm trying to give my one live plant in there as much light as I can.

Thanks for the help! -Katy

 

[zig]

No idea what it is but i would get rid of the rock ASAP.

Some rocks are not suitable for aquariums, you can do a test by putting a little white vinager on the rock (when its dry) and if the rock fizzes then the rock is not suitable.

More than likely in your case the slimey stuff is probably some type of bacteria that was on the rock and is now having some sort of reaction to being emersed in the water, if you think the rock is suitable for your aquarium you should boil it first (sounds crazy, but it works) and this will kill any harmful bacteria that may have been on it, you should do this for any rocks you may find out and about etc.

Some sedimenary rocks arnt suitable for aquariums either, limestone in particular will raise the Ph levels of your water, above what may be safe for your fish.

Anyway to be on the safe side id probably get another rock

 

[KeddyPie]

It was purchased from a fish store, as an aquarium rock ^^ I know a big about rocks, not limestone or anything, didn't disinigrate ^^ Either way, I took it out quickly, and the tank water cleared up within a few hours thanks to my handy dandy filter. No rocks in there nwo, so I got 3 or 4 new plants to make up for it. I might get some slate next time I go to the fish store, 2 or 3 small peices to make a cave... And that slime was so gross, that I WILL boil my new rocks first... Because I don't want to have to touch that stuff again! Ick!