white grows all over plants and tank

Question

White growths, hundra?   QUESTION: I started noticing this white growth all over my plants as well as on the glass, gravel and rock in my freshwater aquarium.  At first I thought they were hydra, but now I'm not sure.  Fungus maybe?  I have attached a photo.  The plants become infested and slowly the leaves start to die.

ANSWER: Hi Kevin,
Tell me more about your setup.  How long his this tank been set up, how many gallons, and what kind of fish.  Without all the info and just from looking at that picture it looks like brown algae that occurs from high ammonia in a uncycled tank.  Is it all over the gravel too?
-Matt-



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Matt,
It is a 30 gallon tank which has been set up for almost 3 years with no problems.  I have 1 large male auratus cichlid and 2 smaller females.  1 pleco and 3 black snails.  There are also 3 stripped danios.  All of the fish appear healthy and get along.  I make sure not to overfeed the fish as well.  The tank has rocks and sand/gravel which have been in the aquarium since it was set up.  The charcoal in the filter is changed every few months.
Kevin

Answer
I am not sure what it is, but if it is what I am thinking of, then I see this commonly in new tank setups because of ammonia readings.  But your tank is not new, being 3 yrs old.  I also see it happen in tanks with little or no circulation because the water cannot flow throughout the tank causing dead spots and ammonia to accumulate in 1 specific area.  I usually see it occur in lower levels of the tank such as along the substrate and on lower leaves of plants and on low parts of driftwood.  If you are lacking water movement, then increase it.  If ammonia is showing up in test readings, do water changes.  Remember to measure ammonia with liquid test kits not strips.

Sorry I cant be of further help.  Let me know if you have any further questions.
-Matt-