new red algae

I have a newer tank, about a month old. No livestock, just CUC. The tank is cycled and my parameters are all normal limits. I had some diatoms but the CUC is eating it. I put in 5 frags about a week ago, and every one of them has a red algae growing on the rocks, they came on, that just showed up today. It is covering the rocks. Its thick with some small hair like projections, but only in certain spots. Why only on the rocks from the frags? It looks like it is spreading alittle to adjacent rocks, but not much.

 

Sounds like cyano. A picture will help to I.D. it. 8)

 

I think your right, based on pics I have been looking at. I will try to upload some pics when I can. Any reason you can think of that it is only on the frags? Should I hold off on adding a clown fish (I was planning on doing that monday).

 

It may have been present in the aquarium in which the frags came from. Either way the fact is you have nutrients that are making it grow so this is what you will need to concentrate on. It will not affect your fish so you can add the clown.

 

I wont affect the fish but, the food and waste from the fish will be throwing fuel on the fire. Personally hold off on the fish and deal with it now. Remove all you can by siphon on water changes.

 

Stilll have some growth. It seems to be almost gone each AM, but comes back at the end of the day. Not sure if its getting eaten. Did see 2 snails on the rocks nearby this morning. Phosphates and nitrates still reading 0. Did a 5 gallon water change. Should I try and put a reactor, or something else in there. I would like to start a fuge this week as well.

 

I would always recommend a reactor. It is a great way to use carbon or GFO. You may want to look into the new Bio Pellets. They will remove Nitrate and Phosphate.The great thing about them is they disapear when exhausted so you know exactly when to replenish them.http://www.3reef.com/forums/drtims-aquatics/drtims-introduces-np-active-pearls-122114.html.

 

pics

http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h356/anesse01/IMG_0041.jpg

 

Definitely Cyano.