Slimy stuff on only one item in aquarium. What is it and how do I remove that stuff?

Question

Its only on the rubber part on this artificial anemone. I can't scrub it too hard or it will break.

I might also add that the slime is clear, not colored, and the tank is established, nitrites are zero.

Answer 1

I'd add that if the slimy stuff is clear, yellowish, or light brown, it could also be bacteria colonizing the ornament. You often find the same thing on the sides of the tank, and I've had a few of these corals get the same type of substance (I use them in saltwater quarantine tanks, so I can still use medication if necessary - this would kill live anemones).

You could try taking the ornament out, and sitting it in a container of hot (from the tap, not boiling) water. Use an old toothbrush or filter pad from your tank to gently rub the stuff off underwater, once the water has reached a "warm" temperature.

Answer 2

It depends on the color of the "stuff" you refer to. If it is black or green, It is algae. You only need to remove that ornament and let it soak in a 1:4 bleach water soloution overnight. The next morning, the ornament should be okay. Rinse it off thoroughly and return it to the tank.
If the slime is clear or yellowy, it is the enamel or glue of the ornament and the whole ornament should be thrown away since it is defective.

Answer 3

It's probably just algae. They make an aquarium-safe algea cleaner. You can find a variety of them at PetSmart or PetCo.

Also, check out tips, including softer cleaning brushes and various chemical solutions, and this website:

http://www.algaefree.com/

Answer 4

take it out and wash it in hot water and put it in full sun to dry. you might want to wash it off in hot water again before you put it back to get anything off of it that it might have picked up outside.