Black growth on the rock in my fish tank

Question

There is some kind of a black growth on the rock that I have in my fish tank. It looks like moss, but I've never seen any kind of moss look black the way this does. Is this good, bad or indifferent?

P.S. I just added a small school of Tiger Barbs to my tank...They're a hoot to watch! :)

Answer 1

I would consider cleaning the tank out, or at least taking the rock out and scrubbing the blank gunk off.  It could be some type of mold or something.  Never heard of black moss!  I would clean the rock just to be sure, this way your fish don't have a chance on getting sick.  Enjoy your new Tiger Barbs!

Answer 2

I'd research on it, see what comes up, I have a Common Pleco and many bottom feeders, Dojo Loach, cory cats etc.

If you don't already I'd recommend a Common Pleco.  I never have to clean my tank. (besides the filter)

It sparkles.

and sorry I don't know anything about a black growth.

I just figured maybe a sucker fish like a pleco could help.

Oh hey, all my other plecos died besides the Common, though they can grow I read up to 12 inches would take a while though.  

Its hard for someone to give a true answer without a picture.  which is why I say research it.  You can look at pictures and see which looks like your growth. ;)

call Dr. Foster And Smith they help with fish for free :)  

Answer 3

hey, that's just algae growing on the rocks. algae could be any color from greenish to dark green to black. To avoid more growth, keep the tank away from sunlight, don't over feed the fish, only give them what they can finish in a few mins. Extra nutrients in the water helps algae bloom. And if you want a natural way to get rid of them, try adding a "platy" to your tank, they are the fish that stick to the glass and rocks, and eat the algae in your tank, keeping it clean in the process.

Good luck!