Has anybody seen this algae before and what should I do about it?

[William Lynch]

Pretty much overnight I observed this white, cotton-like algae behind this stick in my aquarium. I have never seen anything like it. Can anybody identify it and let me know if it’s at all harmful? Thanks!

[Biotope Biologist]

That sounds like a bacterial colony. They often attach themselves to new wood put into the aquarium. It will go away after awhile and is totally harmless. Some animals enjoy eating this stuff too.

 

If you attach a picture of it I can be more confident in my assessment.

[William Lynch]

On 9/23/2021 at 2:31 PM, Biotope Biologist said:

That sounds like a bacterial colony. They often attach themselves to new wood put into the aquarium. It will go away after awhile and is totally harmless. Some animals enjoy eating this stuff too.

 

If you attach a picture of it I can be more confident in my assessment.

Thank you I will try to attach a picture let me know if it works. 

[Biotope Biologist]

That is indeed a bacterial colony, common on newly introduced wood. Beautiful piece by the way I like the gnarls on it. 

 

You shouldn't have any issues with it, it's just an eye sore to some.

[William Lynch]

On 9/23/2021 at 2:41 PM, Biotope Biologist said:

That is indeed a bacterial colony, common on newly introduced wood. Beautiful piece by the way I like the gnarls on it. 

 

You shouldn't have any issues with it, it's just an eye sore to some.

Awesome thank you so much for your help. It’s interesting though that this wood has been in the tank for a couple of weeks already and now it is just starting. Interesting… maybe the added bacteria with having fish now jump started some reaction