Algae growing on Bio-Wheel?

[GoldfishGal]

Hey all,

I was wondering if someone could clear this up for me. I know that bacteria is supposed to acumulate on the bio-wheel for biological filtration. What I'm wondering is if it's suppossed to look green? Because it looks alot like algae, and I want to make sure that my bio-wheel is not being overtaken by algae.

 

[vinodhv]

bacteria should be growing on your biowheel. i dont know if what you have is algae or not though. i tend to doubt it because biowheels are usually sheltered from direct light

 

[GoldfishGal]

bacteria should be growing on your biowheel.

I know bacteria should be there, but at one time it was all an off white color, now it's starting to take on greenish tint.

 

[vinodhv]

sorry i misread your original message.

Are your water parameters changing?

 

[scubadude]

What if the build up on the biowheel is a very dark brown/black color?

 

[OCCFan023]

The bacteria that is suppose to prosper on the bio-wheel is not suppose to be green algae that you will see on your decor or walls. It is just bacteria that will dipose of nitrates and other beneficial jobs.

Is your bio-wheel taking on green algae or is it just a wondering question?

 

[punkrockfish]

next time you clean your tank, just wash off the biowheel in the water you just sucked out. it wont kill any of the bacteria and it will get whatever stuff is on there off.

 

[scubadude]

I'ts collecting a dark brown and even black (in small places) colored substance. I'ts been there for awhile but has no apparent effect on water quality or the fish. I'm wondering if I should replace them just in case. I have washed them before, but used tap water instead.(could be the cause of the discoloration in the first place?)

 

[punkrockfish]

the tap water will kill the bacteria that was growing on the biowheel. if it isnt causing a problem then i wouldnt worry about.

 

[GoldfishGal]

Is your bio-wheel taking on green algae or is it just a wondering question?

It is taking on a green tint. I did what someone else suggested and rinsed in in removed tank water. We'll see if that helps.