FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Humus, What is this stuff, why does it grow on the gravel of my planted tanks? Why does it grow on the leaves of the plants? Should I try to get ride of it and if so, how?

I know it is alot of questions to answer, but I would appriciate any replys.


Thanks, Clay

"There is also a Clown Pleco in this tank some where. I am telling you, HE IS IN HERE."

In the context of aquaria the humus refferred to are usually humic acids, namely tannins, lignins,and fulvic acids. They are composed of lipids, fatty acids, that kind of thing. They dont grow per se, but are leached from organic waste and are capable of supporting plant, fungal, bacterial and various tiny microfauna growth, and an excess of them usually means peat has been used excessively or there is a hell of a lot of organic detritus in the tank.They are a by-product of decomposition.In terrestrial situations humus is usually the organic content of soil and that applies to some degree if you actually use some soil -like substrates specifically to grow plants in.

This of course means that algae and bacteria may run riot. Was it the algae,fungus,infusoria (often protozoan in nature) and bacteria that is caused by the presense of humus that you were talking about?

The crap at the bottom of the tanks is usually called detritus or mulm, humus is a water soluble by-product of that cack, and that will often fuel algae to go ballistic, and yes you should periodically clean it up, especially if it starts covering plants and decorations.

Gravel cleaners and regular water changes are the usual weapon of choice.

Hi,
I'm curious where you got this term "Humus," from and what
are you describing? Humus is a brown or black organic
substance that is the result of the breakdown of organic
waste and is a stable source of nutrients for plants.

Part of your question could be describing an outbreak of
brown "algae" which is actually a bloom of diatoms.
Another part of your question could be describing an
outbreak of various types of green algae.

Depending upon your definition or use of the word "Humus"
would allow us to more satisfactorily answer your
question.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Frank,

It seems what I am talking about is detritus. AKA...nasty brown crap that "grows" on the bottom of the tank and on plant leaves. Sorry about the confusion.

"There is also a Clown Pleco in this tank some where. I am telling you, HE IS IN HERE."

Hi,
Its still sounding like diatoms. Detritus will collect
on the gravel, and on the leaves of the plants but can
easily be "waived off" if that is what it is.

Honestly, I cannot picture a tank in which someone has so
completely ignored maintenance for so long that fish poop,
dying plant matter, snail poop, and decaying food has
accumulated to the extent that you are talking about.

If its brown, then I strongly suspect it is an outbreak of
diatoms. They live off silica in the water. It comes from
two sources, the tap water in some locales (check with your
water department) and in new tanks, or tanks in which the
gravel has been replaced. Gravel is quartz based (SiO2) and
the dust is rich in silica.
To eliminate an outbreak of diatoms, you can do regular
water changes and vacuum the gravel at the same time.
Divide the non-planted portions of the tank into four
sections and with each water change vacuum a different
section. Over time, with water changes and cleaning, the
diatoms will disappear. Or, you can toss in a few of
the Otto's who relish the stuff and will eagerly eat it
into past history.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Humus is what one has on a felafel roll. Oh, that's hummus.

Never mind. One track mind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~ My fish blow kisses at me all day long ~~~