Algae ID Please!

beens_N_Weever · Jan 16, 2023

Hey Everyone, so this is my first tank and I've had it up and running now for about 3 months. I know that I am entering the ugly stages but still would like to know what types of Algaes I currently have so that way I know if I need to take action or keep doing what I am doing and let it run its course. I've noticed the bright green algae on the tops of my rocks, then the purplish pink growth around the rest of my rocks. The other thing I noticed are deep red dots around the rest of my rocks, the dots don't look to be growing fast but have noticed more over the past couple of days. Any direction would help and thank you ahead of time for your help and patience!

Jhoekstra84 · Jan 16, 2023

The brown rust covered stuff looks like detritus. I would assume you have your lights on for too long - same thing happened to me. Run your lights for about 4-5 hours max right now.

beens_N_Weever · Jan 16, 2023

Jhoekstra84 said:
The brown rust covered stuff looks like detritus. I would assume you have your lights on for too long - same thing happened to me. Run your lights for about 4-5 hours max right now.

Yeah, I have been running my lights longer then that, .usually from 11-7 so 8hrs. I'll switch it up and do a max of 4-5 hours. Thank you!

Jhoekstra84 · Jan 16, 2023

beens_N_Weever said:
Yeah, I have been running my lights longer then that, .usually from 11-7 so 8hrs. I'll switch it up and do a max of 4-5 hours. Thank you!

I know it sucks. Having the lights on is the fun part! I remember having this exact issue (I'm running an EVO 13.5). Once you add more corals down the road, you can ramp up the amount of time you have your lights on.

beens_N_Weever · Jan 16, 2023

Jhoekstra84 said:
I know it sucks. Having the lights on is the fun part! I remember having this exact issue (I'm running an EVO 13.5). Once you add more corals down the road, you can ramp up the amount of time you have your lights on.

Agreed, I just really enjoy having the lights on and watching all the snails and my cleaner shrimp move around. I'll lower the lights and then slowly ramp it up once I start adding in coral.