Is this algae on driftwood or something else?

**morning breakfast eat** · 15th Jan 2012, 14:24

Hi all,

I bought a new piece of driftwood a week ago and have been soaking it for 1 week. I find some furry thing on the wood but not sure if it's algae and if it's safe for my fish.. I have been scrubbing my wood with a toothbrush and some of these furry stuff have come off, but there's still quite abit left which I can't remove.

Does anyone know what this is? And if I can't remove them, is it safe for my tank?

Thank you!!driftwood2.jpg dirftwood1.jpg

**morning breakfast eat** · 15th Jan 2012, 14:29

also. someone suggested that it's bacteria since it's black color and that i should boil it.. but my mum wont let me mess with her pots

**Shadow** · 15th Jan 2012, 16:26

If it is black color then it might be Black Beard Algae. If it is white color then it probably fungus. You can just soaked it with hot water.

**morning breakfast eat** · 15th Jan 2012, 18:20

is it possible to have BBA on the driftwood if it is a new piece? i bought it at the over-priced fish shop at plaza singapura. it was wrapped up and stored in a dry place (not in a tank or something). Is it still possible for the driftwood to have BBA in such a situtation?

**Shadow** · 15th Jan 2012, 18:24

you need better picture to confirm it but it posiible. maybe the wwod already with bba before they dry it. or maybe new bba, 1 week is enough for them to grow

**stormhawk** · 17th Jan 2012, 08:03

The driftwood was shrink-wrapped in clear plastic and a small piece of paper right? If yes it's exactly the same as those sold elsewhere.

If your mum doesn't let you use her pots, get a clear microwaveable container, that can fit your driftwood and in your microwave. Just add some water and microwave the container, make sure the lid is slightly opened or it will pop. Set it to high and microwave for 5-10 mins. Should get rid of algae or fungus. Alternative, soak it in a weak potassium permanganate solution for about an hour or so, or you can place it in a container of water and do spot treatment with Flourish Excel. That ought to kill them.