This is normal, right?

[Robb1414]

Tank is 75 gallons, 4', all parameters are perfect. I perform a 15% water change every week. My fish are happy and healthy. I haven't lost one in the three months the tank has been up and running. And yes, I moved way too fast - but for whatever reason, everything seemed to work. My question is, is the brown forming on my white rock normal? I have a bunch of live rock behind the white rock (you can see some of it in the picture). My CUC consists of 8 turbos, 12 hermits, 2 fighting conch, 8 trochus snails, and a bunch of the nassirius snails. So, what's up w/ the brown? Is this just part of the cycle and it will all eventually turn dark brown/red? I have a protein skimmer running.
Ignore the small white dots - this are air bubbles
Thanks!

 

[DSC reef]

Its perfectly normal. The white dry rock will go through some other ugly stages as well.

 

[Robb1414]

Its perfectly normal. The white dry rock will go through some other ugly stages as well.

Will it eventually all turn brown?

 

[Softhammer]

Totally normal and yes I think you went way way too fast with that fish load. The rock will eventually all turn purple with coralline algae but do not slack on those water changes. That white rock has barely started cycling. Brace yourself for potential algae troubles. Not the end of the world though, just be diligent with your maintenance and careful with the feedings. And remember all that pretty white rock is going to look like cr@p before it starts to mature and look good. Hang in there, it will be fine. I strongly discourage adding corals though until that rock gets cycled. Not saying it won’t work but taking it slow seldom fails.

 

[Robb1414]

Totally normal and yes I think you went way way too fast with that fish load. The rock will eventually all turn purple with coralline algae but do not slack on those water changes. That white rock has barely started cycling. Brace yourself for potential algae troubles. Not the end of the world though, just be diligent with your maintenance and careful with the feedings. And remember all that pretty white rock is going to look like cr@p before it starts to mature and look good. Hang in there, it will be fine. I strongly discourage adding corals though until that rock gets cycled. Not saying it won’t work but taking it slow seldom fails.

Thank you so much. No corals going in the tank - FOWLR. I am anticipating the ugly ... I had done a lot of reading. I just wanted to make sure I didn't need to do anything during the ugly. I test my water every three days and change 15% of my water every week. I also scrub down the glass each week. Thanks again for the reply!