Slime in Water Storage Container

[LarryDinNC]

I use a 32g Rubbermaid container to store and age my water. The water is tap with Prime added. I was out of town for 4 days this week and didn't perform any wc's. Now as I began to perform a wc, I noticed a clear slime forming on my airline and container interior surface. What is this slime and is the water safe to use?

[brewmaster15]

Its basically bacteria. The remedy is to wash it out well with Hot water. You can also use bleach or potassium permanganate if you like , but its not necessary.

hth,
al

[LarryDinNC]

Thanks Al for your reply!

I presume the existing water is now unsafe to use and should be dumped. Correct?

Also, is there something I can do to prevent bacterial growth that would not be expensive nor harmful to fish?

[brewmaster15]

Hi Larry,
The type of bacteria that is would be an anaerobic bacteria if the container is not aerated at all or well enough. You want to dump this water, clean and refill. Then aerate and it should be fine.

theres relly no guaranteed way here. just watch and clean as necessary.

hth,
al