White Algae?

Question

White Fuzz in Aquarium   I have a 7.9 gallon Fluval Ebi Nano, freshwater tank. It is fairly new (2 months) but it has completely cycled. It is a well planted tank (7-8 mid light plants of varying heights.)

I have:
1 male crowntail betta
3 platys
1 amano shrimp

My water levels are:
ammonia - 0
nitrite - 0
nitrate - 0
GH -75
KL - 80
KH - 53.7
PH - 7.0
chlorine - 0
temp. - 78

In other words, as far as I know, the levels seem to be right where they should be.

All that being said... what the heck is this white fuzzy/cloud like stuff growing in my tank?

I only feed once a day as much as they can eat in 3 or 4 minutes.
I do about 20% water change once a week, and lightly vacuum the substrate during that time to remove any visible waste.

The fish don't seem to be bothered by it and the shrimp hangs around it so I thought maybe it's some kind of algae. It's not all over everything only the floating betta log and the fake mangrove root decoration.

I've searched online and can really only find a lot of similar questions but no real answers, so any help would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

Sincerely,
GG

I've attached the best close up picture I have. I can send more if necessary.

Answer
Hi there!
Thank you for the picture!

I have seen this before in my aquariums in the past and have found that it is usually a type of fungus that developed perhaps where there is excess biomatter that has accumulated. There can be a buildup of dissolved waste/plant matter in the gravel bed that is fueling the fungus.

Its not necessarily harmful, but I would try to vacuum it up and try an all-over more thorough gravel vacuuming in the aquarium to try to prevent its return. You may have to repeat this a few times.

Otherwise, it sounds like you are doing a great job with your aquarium!

I hope this helps! Best of luck!
Susan~