So, I just got some rocks from the LFS for my redclaw and snail tank... but when I washed them off I found that they have a bunch of lichen on them. Mostly orange, but some black, blue-green, and even a little pink. The question is, do I have to get it off before I use the rocks? Or is it ok? Would scrubbing with something bristley do the job, or do I have to bleach it or something? I don't want it to hurt my critters...
I just used rocks with lichen in my tank, and it sent it into a mini-cycle. If it is a small quantity of rock in an otherwise stable tank, you might be right, but keep an eye on it
Hmmm... well, I guess I can scrub them, but not worry about missing a tiny bit. The more I look at it, the more I dislike it anyway, it looks an awful lot like mold.
It might be worth asking around to see if anyone has a high pressure cleaner, and try hitting it with that. I soaked and scrubbed but that lichen stuff is pretty determined!