Brown clumps on substrate?

kevinmichael77 · 05-23-2012, 07:45 PM

I've had all this brown clumpy stuff on my substrate for a while now and am not sure what it is? It almost looks like dirt and settled in the bottom. I can stir it up and get some out but it's kinda dense. Anyone know what this is? I try to siphon as much or as I can but it's going to take a while so was looking for any ideas.Boy I'll be glad when I stop posting in this section

Thanks

Java Moss · 05-24-2012, 03:07 AM

It's biological goodness. It's wise to siphon up a little bit here and there so the water doesn't get overwhelmed over time, but I wouldn't go crazy trying to get it all. Much of it helps keep the water in balance.

I see it all the time on my blue gravel through the glass and everything seems to be perfectly fine.

Perfectly fine. Famous last words.

**TexasCichlid** · 05-24-2012, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinmichael77

I've had all this brown clumpy stuff on my substrate for a while now and am not sure what it is? It almost looks like dirt and settled in the bottom. I can stir it up and get some out but it's kinda dense. Anyone know what this is? I try to siphon as much or as I can but it's going to take a while so was looking for any ideas.Boy I'll be glad when I stop posting in this section

Thanks

Sounds like mulm. Vac it out, but no need to go crazy.

**acitydweller** · 05-24-2012, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasCichlid

Sounds like mulm.

+1 Its good to have this. Beneficial bacteria does feed on it but an excess of this may be ugly.

kevinmichael77 · 05-24-2012, 04:53 AM

Gotcha I certainly have an ample supply at this point. I'll get out what I can and hopefully contain it. Thanks guys!

05-23-2012, 07:45 PM	#1
kevinmichael77 Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (15/100%) Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Fort Atkinson, wi Posts: 429	Brown clumps on substrate? I've had all this brown clumpy stuff on my substrate for a while now and am not sure what it is? It almost looks like dirt and settled in the bottom. I can stir it up and get some out but it's kinda dense. Anyone know what this is? I try to siphon as much or as I can but it's going to take a while so was looking for any ideas.Boy I'll be glad when I stop posting in this section Thanks

05-24-2012, 03:07 AM	#2
Java Moss Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 173	It's biological goodness. It's wise to siphon up a little bit here and there so the water doesn't get overwhelmed over time, but I wouldn't go crazy trying to get it all. Much of it helps keep the water in balance. I see it all the time on my blue gravel through the glass and everything seems to be perfectly fine. Perfectly fine. Famous last words. __________________ The longer I'm involved in this hobby the more & more I'm convinced that Bio-Type species tanks are the way to go. Plants and fish/inverts live together in nature for a reason. I find the less I try to fight nature the better my tanks look. - DogFish 1.24.12

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05-24-2012, 04:53 AM	#5
kevinmichael77 Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (15/100%) Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Fort Atkinson, wi Posts: 429	Gotcha I certainly have an ample supply at this point. I'll get out what I can and hopefully contain it. Thanks guys!