What are the white balls in fish tank?
White balls in fish tanks can simply be eggs laid by the fish, but can also be bacteria-related gunk that has started to accumulate near the bottom of the cage. A good way to tell them apart is to see how they are clustered at the bottom of the fish tank (i.e. spread out means it is not eggs).
With white balls in fish tanks, you have to do your due diligence regardless of your first assumption.
This means taking the time to remove the white balls in your fish tank, inspecting them, and taking the balls to a specialist for further assessment.
If there is trouble in the fish tank, you are going to notice additional signs when it comes to the fish.
The signs include:
- Tired Fish
- Poor Eating Habits
- Sticking to One Part of the Fish Tank
If these signs are present, it’s clear the fish haven’t laid eggs and there is something else going on.
Here is a detailed look at understanding what these white balls in fish tanks are all about, what to look for, and how to remove them safely.
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Tips on Removing White Balls in Fish Tank
Tip #1: Remove the Fish Beforehand
The first step is to ensure your fish are carefully removed from the fish tank.
It’s possible the fish tank has been contaminated and has become an unsafe environment for your fish. As a result, it makes sense to take them out and put them in a safer place until changes are made.
Don’t assume everything is okay because that may cause your fish to fall ill!
There are multiple advantages of taking your fish out before moving forward with the inspection process.
The benefits include:
- Keeps the Fish Safe
- Provides Better Line of Sight
- Makes Scooping the White Balls in Fish Tanks Easier
Be diligent about what you are doing and feel safe while removing the white balls.
Trying to remove the white balls with the fish still inside can become nerve-wracking and is not worth the hassle.
Tip #2: Use a Scooper
You will have to buy a scooper to carefully take out the white balls.
You don’t want to aggravate anything else in the fish tank because this may worsen the situation. A lot of times, fish tank owners will look to remove something and spread bacteria all over the place!
It’s essential to use a small-sized scooper to carefully pick out the white balls in fish tanks.
Once you have scooped them out, place them in a separate bowl.
This will ensure you can take a good look at them later on while cleaning the fish tank.
Tip #3: Inspect the White Balls
It’s essential to assess the white balls in fish tanks.
You have to figure out what’s going on along with the changes needed to fix things. There is nothing worse than taking out the white balls in fish tanks and tossing them out!
This is wasteful and is going to lead to the same issue cropping up again later on.
When you are assessing the white balls, take the time to speak to a qualified professional.
They will have the opportunity to assess what the root cause is and will have the experience to guide you in the right direction.
Tip #4: Change the Water Immediately
If there is a bacteria-related issue, it’s time to change the water.
You will not want the contaminated water to remain in the fish tank doing any more damage! This is why using a high-quality water change is in your best interest.
It is going to help cleanse the fish tank and make sure the bacteria are flushed out as soon as possible. Any delays in this regard will compromise the integrity of your fish tank.
Along with changing the water, also take the time to invest in a pH testing kit. This will allow you to pinpoint whether or not the pH levels are fluctuating in the fish tank.
This is important information to have up your sleeve to make educated decisions.
Final Thoughts
White balls in fish tanks can be an alarming sight.
However, it doesn’t always have to be doom and gloom. In some cases, it might just be eggs laid by the fish in your tank that have clustered together.
This is normal and it’s something you can expect from time to time.
If they are not eggs, you will also learn more about what’s going on in the fish tank. This can include bacteria developing inside and wreaking havoc on the tank and accessories. This can also ruin the water quality over the long-term.
By taking the time to remove the white balls in fish tanks, you will have a much easier time analyzing them and coming to a reasonable conclusion.
For more on how to manage a fish tank, go through these articles – helping fish staying in one part of the fish tank, how to add driftwood to fish tank, greatest fish tank for you, and how to add oxygen to a fish tank.