[Sticky Residue on Items in Tank]

I was doing a cleaning on my tank today and discovered a sticky, I mean real sticky residue on several of the filter parts (uptake tubes, filter water return, etc)...It was almost impossible to remove from either the parts or my hands...

Can anyone give me an idea what this might be and the best way to not only combat it, but to easily remove it when it occurs?

Many thanks... 

[What's your dream aquarium product that doesn’t exist?]

On 1/1/2021 at 12:41 PM, JettsPapa said:

Nice.  It's a shame it's only made for rimless tanks.  That's the only reason I haven't already ordered one, and I'm still trying to figure out how to make it work with my tanks.

Isn't lead toxic?

[What's your dream aquarium product that doesn’t exist?]

On 11/24/2020 at 6:13 PM, Ali said:

I really just want a digital thermometer that is precise AND accurate. Many digitals I've tried are precise, but comparing multiple units of the exact same model set up right next to each other (controlling for location, flow, etc.), I have yet to find some that agree within a couple degrees. Any good ideas? Please share!

I use "non-aquarium" thermometers by Thermoworks...I personally use the thermopop https://www.thermoworks.com/ThermoPop