Transparent Film On Wood?

[grownocean]

I wasn't sure where to ask this question, but anyways - 
 
I set up a new 10G tank that's been running/cycling for about a week. I have two pieces of spiderwood that I purchased from my lfs and I noticed that now they're both growing this transparent, cloudy, slime all over them. I soaked them in hot bath water for a couple hours before putting them into the tank.... I read somewhere that this could be a bacteria bloom? At this rate, I'm afraid the wood could be completely consumed by this stuff. What do I do? Is this good or bad? 

 

[noobgamers]

dont know anithing about spiderwood e.t.c but i am 99% it is not algae mainly because it is transparent and that it wasnt killed by the hot bath

 

[grownocean]

So it's probably bacteria, then? 

 

[fluttermoth]

AFAIK it is a form of algae.

It is very common on 'new' bits of wood and it feeds on any excess nutrients that are leaching out of the wood. It's unsightly, but harmless (some fish and snails will eat it) and will disappear on its own, once the wood has finished leaching.

 

[LyraGuppi]

I agree with fluttermoth.
BTW, don't try to remove it; it goes back right overnight.

 

[grownocean]

So basically all I can do is sit and wait for it to clear up on its own?

 

[DreamertK]

Pretty much, yes. Yeah it looks bad for a bit, but you'll forget all about it and it'll be gone!

 

[noobgamers]

oh sorry thought it wouldnt be algae