Growing Trees!

[Medicreefer]

Hey guys, doing a fishless cycle using Dr Tims ammonia and brand new CaribSea Liferock. It’s been going good for a few months and the cycle has been finished, but haven’t added fish yet. Today I noticed what looks like little trees on my rock. I’m thinking Hydroids, but not sure if they can show up in a brand new setup? I run the lights at a really low setting for a few hours at night just for aesthetics. It’s an AI Prime HD about 9 inches over an IM Nuvo 10. Attaching a pic and any help or suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[andiesreef]

it could be bryopsis. there are some pictures of it that look similar to what you have. best of luck, i've heard it's a massive pain.

 

[Medicreefer]

it could be bryopsis. there are some pictures of it that look similar to what you have. best of luck, i've heard it's a massive pain.

Yikes! Is it possible to get bryopsis in a brand new tank with no inhabitants and new rock?

 

[andiesreef]

Yikes! Is it possible to get bryopsis in a brand new tank with no inhabitants and new rock?

honestly i have no idea. i know people who get diatoms and other algae in completely new tanks... maybe the spores come in through the air or the sand or whatever else is in there.

 

[AlexBarkat]

Those little tree-like things on your CaribSea Liferock might indeed be hydroids, although it's a bit surprising in a new setup. They can hitchhike on live rock or other items introduced into the tank. Keeping your lights low is a good move; it helps control unwanted growth.Before adding fish, you might want to tackle those hydroids. Try gently siphoning them off or manually removing as much as possible. Some suggest hydrogen peroxide spot treatment, but be cautious with this approach.

 

[AlexBarkat]

Those little tree-like things on your CaribSea Liferock might indeed be hydroids, although it's a bit surprising in a new setup. They can hitchhike on live rock or other items introduced into the tank. Keeping your lights low is a good move; it helps control unwanted growth.Before adding fish, you might want to tackle those hydroids. Try gently siphoning them off or manually removing as much as possible. Some suggest hydrogen peroxide spot treatment, but be cautious with this approach.

By the way, considering alternatives, have you heard about camphor trees? Not for your tank, of course, but they're resilient trees often used for their beneficial properties. Just a random tangent on hardy trees while we talk about your setup!