Activate

nvmycj

nvmycj

Member
Hi guys!
Has anyone ever heard of "Activate?"
I went to my LFS and asked about the grime that is lining the inside of my vinyl tubing on my return and overflow sides. They recommended to me the Activate liquid. They said it'll help prevent any build up and is beneficial for the biofiltration.
Anyone ever hear of this stuff?
Thanks!
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Never heard of it.
Is there a test kit to make sure you don't overdose? If not, I would avoid it at all costs.
The best way to get rid of the grime is simply wipe it off with a new - never washed washcloth. For your tubing - if you use vinyl tubing, you shouldn't have any lights underneath the tank to cause algae build up in the vinyl tubing. If you have lights under the tank, you need to think about replacing it with black vinyl OR better yet, PVC.
That's mostly a "biofilm." Biofilms are necessary to keep tanks stable - bacteria cling on to any surface, and a significant amount of bacteria builds up over time. This bacteria ensures that all the ammonia and nitrites in the system get processed so that it doesn't harm your fish and corals and constantly cycles the tank. To kill the "grime" per-se would actually be a disservice to your tank...
IF you are concerned about the build up, just wipe it away with a cloth and replace the tubing.
 
nvmycj

nvmycj

Member
I wish I could just wipe it away,....but it's on the inside of the tubing. If I pinch the tubing, it comes off the tubing and it looks like snowflakes in my tank. It almost looks like calcium deposits.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
ok, lol. Beat me to it.
Looks like a regular biofilm to me... not calcium.
That's just what happens in pipes over time. Vinyl tubing is worse because it lets in light.
 
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