bacteria?

Question
Heya, I have a 15 gallon tank with 5 tiger barbs in it.
i was about to do a water change when i noticed the hose to my air stone was covered in whitish yellowish bloby looking stuff. Is this a bacteria that i should worry about?

Answer
Hi Nick,

The stuff in your air tube is probably a type of mold growing there, due to tank water seepage back into the tube (especially if you turn the pump off and on). I wouldn't worry about it, but if it's too unsightly, you can replace the tubing. Airline tubing is probably the least expensive thing in the aquarium hobby, second only to water.

See if it is affecting the fish at all. If the fish are fine, there's no need to worry. To prevent any chance of disease, you can perform a 20% water change. If your fish have any abnormal behavior or symptoms, feel free to ask a follow-up question, I'm happy to help!

Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!