is this algae on my filter pads

[photogdude]

i've had this flival 405 for about 2 years, and have never seen anything green on the filter pads before, and if it is algae I thought it needed light. If it aint algae what is it?

[jwh0818]

Yes its algae. Its a type that grows in no light. There is nothing wrong with it

[Mzungu]

Does it have a slimy texture?

[photogdude]

not really

[eklikewhoa]

I would say more of a bacteria.

[mnemenoi]

It could be pulling it from the water column, has there been any shifts recently in the tanks photo period, feeding routine, or water changes? High Nitrates can cause blooms and its just collecting in the coarse filter pads.

[photogdude]

other than i started doing 2 water changes a week since the previous filter cleaning cycle. also the funny thing is, there is no sign of that stuff in the 2217 that i also have on the tank.

we'll see what happens next month when i clean the filters. i'll probably use spend the 15 bucks and change out the pads

[Mzungu]

It looks a bit like cyanobacteria. If I were you, I'd just keep an eye on it. That stuff likes to spread pretty darn quickly.

[Totenkampf]

i have never heard of a plant, even lower forms like algae, that dont require light for photosynthesis so i doubt its algae growing there. if it were in your water column then it would be present in both filters. i thought cyanobacteria needs light to photosynthesize too but i do recall that there are different types (some convert oxygen and some convert nitrogen) so maybe this type doesnt. Since you have two filters on the aquarium maybe it is best to sterilize that filter pad asap.

[photogdude]

yup i thinks its cyanobacteria, guess i'll increase the water changes for a few weeks. Guess thats what happens when you overstock and overfeed.