Is my live rock "Alive"?

[smokin'reefer]

I know that is an odd question, but I am still new and quite puzzled about a lot of stuff here. I purchased "combination" live rock bundle from an online retailer and got both 25# of shelf and 25# of what I believe is Bali or Fiji rock that looks like actual large corals.

On the tips of some of the "branches", there are reddish purple tips starting to come out.

Probably not the best pics but I am still working on those skills also. My main 3 questions would be if this is coral actually growing? Is this a good thing? And lastly is there anything I need to do to help it grow? I've learned a lot here on R2R and am sure this topic has been addressed at some point, but with all thats here it might take a while to find. Thanx ahead of time for any input.

 

[Tahoe61]

Foraminiferans is the ID.

http://www.lionfishlair.com/hitchhiker.shtml

Live rock refers to the presence of beneficial bacteria, the results of ammonia and nitrate test will assist you in determining the presence of a biological filter.

 

[smokin'reefer]

Nailed it! I also have the little white tree branch type things in other areas. Thanks

 

[Diesel]

Congrats on your LR.
Now lets see some FTS........

 

[smokin'reefer]

Here you go. Not much yet. Only 2 months in.

 

[Prozack199]

Like The Rock Scape Nice Tank Also.

 

[smokin'reefer]

Like The Rock Scape Nice Tank Also.

Thanx. Got a long way to go and a lot to learn.

 

[Diesel]

That looks amazing!!
Lots of hiding places for the fish.

 

[smokin'reefer]

One more with backlit.

Thanks for the compliment.

 

[Diesel]

I always love that.

Here's mine 5 years ago,

 

[smokin'reefer]

I always love that.

Here's mine 5 years ago,

Wow. That's awesome. If mine could be a fraction of that, I will be happy. Been reading a lot of your posts and definately learning alot from you and others. Thanks

 

[Diesel]

Wow. That's awesome. If mine could be a fraction of that, I will be happy. Been reading a lot of your posts and definately learning alot from you and others. Thanks

Your very welcome, we [HASHTAG]#reefsquad[/HASHTAG] wants to inspire hobbyist in this hobby.
And I guess it worked for you.
Myself wants not only that you come close to what I've done in this hobby I want you to be better.
So what do we say........

 

[smokin'reefer]

Make sure I ask questions. I definately have a bunch coming. Just got over that initial info overload and nuggets of knowledge are falling into place. Just like what looked like corals rock growing were florams.

 

[brandon429]

That tank stand having backlighting to show woody color isn't something I've seen, two tone backlighting yep

 

[dbl]

@smokin'reefer, the tanks looks great and I love the aquascape. In due time it will mature and you'll look back at your old photos in amazement. Just remember, it takes time and that's okay. Slow and steady wins this race. Congrats on a great start.