Green growing on the rock

[Kial]

I've started to get green patches growing on the rock all over, worse in parts. I'm wondering if I should take any action to clean it off or just let It run its course.
I suppose I'm worried it could get out of hand if it is not the algae I want to be growing.

If anyone can ID it for me that would great.

 

[EriksOasis]

Let it be your tank will get color and go through algae stages all apart of a new tank. Keep doing water changes and you’re on your way to an awesome tank.

 

[Maggie321]

I hope you don't like the white rocks cause they won't be white for long!

 

[SashimiTurtle]

Yea, when I started up my first salt water tank I thought the white rocks were so pretty. And then they turned green. Really really green. It's called tank uglies, and it's actually a good thing. Your tank is getting mature and it comes in stages. The first stage is baby stage, everything is clean and white. Then teenager stage, tank has acne and it's socially awkward. Then young adult when everything ugly is clearing up. A fully mature adult tank has found balance biologically and has rocks with a darker gray and coraline color with hints of green algae here and there.

 

[Ubans13]

Let others have said just let it go. You will have a couple ugly stages. They will go away if you keep you parameters in check. Being nitrates and phosphate! If need be use a tooth brush and brush it off or pick it off with you hands a little every day. Do not go out and buy a ton of clean up crew when you get a little hair algae. Maybe a few snails but I would not do the 5 snail per gallon rule! Other then that good luck with the start of you tank! We all been in your shoes.

 

[Susan Edwards]

My rocks turned green and it doesn't really scrape off. It turned darker as the tank aged. Now coraline algae is starting to cover it. the same is true with each of my tanks I put rocks in--the qt tanks and the display refugium. It's part of the process and means things are progressing.

 

[Mandelstam]

Yea, when I started up my first salt water tank I thought the white rocks were so pretty. And then they turned green. Really really green. It's called tank uglies, and it's actually a good thing. Your tank is getting mature and it comes in stages. The first stage is baby stage, everything is clean and white. Then teenager stage, tank has acne and it's socially awkward. Then young adult when everything ugly is clearing up. A fully mature adult tank has found balance biologically and has rocks with a darker gray and coraline color with hints of green algae here and there.

Haha I love this![emoji23]

Sounds like you're describing me even if I'm still a bit socially awkward lol

 

[Kial]

Thanks for the replies everyone.
OK thats good then, I read about the stages etc but then I see comments on other posts recommending to get rid of as much as they can.
I will definitely just leave it go and mature.
I do actually like the white rocks haha but always knew they wouldn't stay that way!

I've got a few snails in there already, 3 trochus, 4 nassarius, 1 small cerith and spotted a tiny cone shaped one yesterday, no idea where that came from.

 

[EriksOasis]

Wish there was a way to have perfect white rocks as they really make corals pop in a new tank.

 

[XNavyDiver]

I must be in the minority. I couldn't stand the white new rock when I set my tank up. I couldn't wait for stuff to grow over it.

 

[Susan Edwards]

You'll recognize the "algae you need to scrub" or get rid of (or have your cuc deal with) as it isn't just a discoloration on rock but more "plant like" in appearance. It too will appear and is part of the stages. My mistake in the beginning was in not recognizing bryopsis and allowing it to nearly over take my tank even though I was doing all I could to attempt to get rid of it-plucking, pulling, dosing nopox, vibrant, etc. and nothing worked. I consider it my miracle that I learned, here on R2R about it and how to get rid of it with fluconazle. No nuisance algae since

 

[EriksOasis]

We all learn in this hobby. When I first started seven years ago I had a 55 gallon not drilled with hang on filter and protein skimmer. I was using tap water for the first six months and the tank was covered 100% in hair algae. I switched right away to Rodi water and got a clean up crew of snails and got it under control in about a month or two. This hobby is all about learning I have found and this is a great place to learn!

 

[Kial]

It' the hair algea I'm dreading as a lot of the posts I've read mention it over taking the tank.
I'm going to read up on the different algeas so I can identify anything that needs sorting.
I think I've seen someone post about fluconazle, is that the stuff you can buy at a chemist sort of shop?

 

[Maggie321]

https://www.payless-petproducts.com/fluconazole200.html

This is where a lot of people get their fluconazole

 

[madweazl]

What you can expect:

Day 1

Day 45

Day 90

Day 120

Day 455

I didn't have any hair algae until about two weeks ago (over 18 months in); I have two little patches that are tucked down into the rock.

 

[Kial]

I'm in Australia so will have to find it elsewhere when it comes to buying some.
Awesome, my tank has been up since start of October I think so still early stages. Got it all to come!
Still find it so good that I can come on here and get advice so easily!
Cheers everyone

 

[ReefJake123]

I can't stand white either

 

[ReefJake123]

There is my white rock after two months

 

[ReefJake123]

There is my other white rocks

 

[ReefJake123]

There sorry the other photo didn't work