Algae help!

[Chrisreef]

so for a few week I’ve noticed green algae start growing on my rocks, it is hard, doesn’t come off when I scrape my nail across it, no hair or fuzz, the tank is 3 months old,
Tank parameters with Red Sea test kits
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Ph 8.2
Nitrate 10 ( in the process of working that down)
Phosphates .08
Calcium 420
Dkh 9
Magnesium 1380

It began as a lighter green then got darker, now has some orange blended in it in random spots, the corals are growing and look healthy the fish are fine. Anyone have and input as to what it is/ could be happening/ is there an issue (besides the nitrates being high? Thank you

 

[EmdeReef]

Perfectly normal for new tanks. Likely green microalgae.

Your parameters seem fine I wouldn’t worry.

 

[Chrisreef]

Perfectly normal for new tanks. Likely green microalgae.

Your parameters seem fine I wouldn’t worry.

What should I do about the algae, leave it alone? Snails haven’t been eating it. Also I read that it may turn to coralline algae ? Is that true? Should I change my light intensity?

 

[KrisReef]

Yes, coraline comes in green and pink and red and purple also
I wouldn’t change anything.
If you want a different color get a snail or liverock that has some, scrape it into your tank and it will spread

 

[McFly]

Totally normal, it usually gets worse as your rock cycles, before it gets better. They call it 'the uglies' and it can last many months. Nitrates at 10 is fine.

 

[Chrisreef]

Totally normal, it usually gets worse as your rock cycles, before it gets better. They call it 'the uglies' and it can last many months. Nitrates at 10 is fine.

Ok I don’t mind it when the blues are on it gives it a nicer “seasoned” look to it

 

[McFly]

Yes, blue lights are a great way to 'hide' the algae when company is over. I added dry rock to my upgrade last June and there are still some algae patches I am working on, to provide a reference.

 

[xjiang7]

My tank is five months and have the same thing. I have reef saver dry rock.

 

[MergeConflict]

It's all part of a new tank - it's called 'the uglies'. It will wear off over time. I am actually going through the same thing and also have diatom skidmarks on everything. I included some ninja star astrea snails in my CUC and they are cleaning things down to the rock. When I get a chance this evening I'll snap a pic so you can see.
#KCRO

 

[Chrisreef]

It's all part of a new tank - it's called 'the uglies'. It will wear off over time. I am actually going through the same thing and also have diatom skidmarks on everything. I included some ninja star astrea snails in my CUC and they are cleaning things down to the rock. When I get a chance this evening I'll snap a pic so you can see.
#KCRO

Yeah that would be cool

 

[lapin]

There is nothing wrong with algae. Only when it alters your tank in a way that is either not pleasing to your eye or covers corals. You would be surprised as to how many people dont even notice algae. Only reefers seem to hate it.

 

[Chrisreef]

Thanks guy

 

[MergeConflict]

Yeah that would be cool

Sorry, I am not a photographer by any stretch of the mind, but you get the idea. Yesterday the entire rock was covered with that film as well as diatoms for the lovely baby-poop green. Those ninja star snails cleaned the left half of that rock last night. While its cool how they took it to task, I'm a little concerned how quick they took it to task. Well managed algae helps to support a healthy ecosystem (from what I've interpreted) as it provides a food source for herbivores and habitat for 'pods.