Is this algae?

[ParaFish]

I’m pretty new to the reef side. So the last couple days i have noticed these patches of something on the rock work. Is this algae?? Or is it something bad? Pictures are not the best but it’s almost like an orangish color.

 

[Formulator]

That is cyanobacteria. Its the consistency of snot and can be removed easily with a siphon hose. It usually comes with changes in nutrient levels or lighting in the tank. Manually remove it and check your nitrate and phosphate levels. It can be a pain if it takes over the tank, and then requires more drastic chemical removal methods (chemiclean), which can then lead to other problems (dino). So it is important to nip in the bud when you see any.