What is whitish film growing on grapevine branch in very clean african cichlid tank?

Question

Recently re-decorated my 55gal african cichlid tank w/ rock and shale, dolomite sand and sea shells, and a large piece of sand blasted, soaked and treated grapevine branch purchased at a fish store and I'm noticing a whitish, moucousy film on the branch that looks like it's growing like algae does. It's been 4 days since I set up tank. The water is very clean w/ good filtration and water current. Is it some weird form of algae I've never heard of? Does anyone know?

Answer 1

It is a harmless form of fungus from the grapevine. Nothing to worry about. It will eventually go away. Most newly added woods will do this. No salt is needed to treat the wood for it to go away. Give it a couple of days. If it bothers you, just wipe it off.

Answer 2

It is most likely a fungus. Even though the grape vine was well cleaned, it's still dead organic matter and even though your tank is without a doubt very clean, fungus spores will still be present.

Since these are africans and can tolerate salt in the tank you can try adding about 1 tablespoon of salt per 5 gallons of tank water and see if that helps control the fungus. Salt will control some fungi species, but not all and as a box of kosher salt is quite cheap it's worth a try. This is probably not a fungus that would harm the fish unless they were ill, injured or otherwise seriously stressed.

Hope that helps

MM