white algae on heater and filter tubes

23 15:34:38

Question

White algae There has been a white, pale-green algae growth on my heater and filter tubes and my guppies seem to nibble on it at first. Are there any algae eaters eat it? I am planning to buy an otocinclus, but will they eat it?

Answer
This is more of a freshwater mold than an algae. It may contain both, growing symbiotically, as that is common.

I do recommend the otocinclus, and they may help a little, but you really need to take a look at your water parameters.

Algae and bacteria and mold cannot form if the flow is enough and the water is clean enough.

Increase your flow, do some water changes, wash the heater off and see if it won't go away.

Happy fish-keeping.

Renee