What is growing on this coral skeleton?

[nano_reefing]

So I am brand new to the hobby and this is my first attempt at creating a reef. My tank has been established for about 6 months. Now I am comfortable enough to try adding some coral, considering my fish and mushrooms are doing so well.

With that said though I'm not comfortable enough to go drop big money on coral yet so I went to the local shops bargain bin for some zoa. I may have gotten more than I bargained for after some research though. Is the red growth on top cyanobacteria or just coraline algae? Or is this something else entirely?

 

[Deiblerj]

Looks like some nice deep purple coraline to me!

 

[nano_reefing]

Looks like some nice deep purple coraline to me!

Thanks for the reply! I was about to hit the panic button if had brought a pest in. Already fighting aiptasia that is spreading like fire. I wasn't looking forward to a slime.

 

[Deiblerj]

Most cyano I’ve seen on rock/plugs is red/purple but almost has a fuzzy look to it. From the pictures it looks like that is pretty smooth covering the rock.

I’m no expert, just my thoughts lol.

 

[nano_reefing]

Most cyano I’ve seen on rock/plugs is red/purple but almost has a fuzzy look to it. From the pictures it looks like that is pretty smooth covering the rock.

I’m no expert, just my thoughts lol.

I was thinking the same, but my lack of experience required some more eyes on.

 

[Jeight]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[nano_reefing]

Welcome to R2R!!!

Thank you!

 

[reefer0708]

Yep.. red coraline algae. I was panicking too when I first noticed them in my tank. Now, it's everywhere predominantly over the purple/ pink ones
Apparently, coraline algae comes in varieties of colors - purple/ pink (most common), red, black, white
This is my tank after 4 months

 

[nano_reefing]

Yep.. red coraline algae. I was panicking too when I first noticed them in my tank. Now, it's everywhere predominantly over the purple/ pink ones
Apparently, coraline algae comes in varieties of colors - purple/ pink (most common), red, black, white
This is my tank after 4 months

Really adds a great look to the tank. Can you just scrape it off and remove it from the tank to slow it? I only ask because I don't want it to take over before I can propagate some coral.

 

[Deiblerj]

Your coral will be fine. It’s a good sign of a healthy tank!

You’ll have to watch the glass though. It’s a PITA to scrap off if you don’t have a razor blade type scrapper lol.

 

[reefer0708]

Really adds a great look to the tank. Can you just scrape it off and remove it from the tank to slow it? I only ask because I don't want it to take over before I can propagate some coral.

It does. Although, I still prefer the pink/purple ones. My rocks look like they're "bleeding" at times..lol..
Scarping it is almost an impossible task I think.. they stick like glue..
Like any coraline, its not invasive. Its good to have

 

[nano_reefing]

It does. Although, I still prefer the pink/purple ones. My rocks look like they're "bleeding" at times..lol..
Scarping it is almost an impossible task I think.. they stick like glue..
Like any coraline, its not invasive. Its good to have

Will it interfere with propagating new coral?

 

[reefer0708]

Will it interfere with propagating new coral?

It shouldn't. It doesn't affect corals in any bad way as far as I know.
Ive had dead sps and coraline algae quickly took over it. Its not invasive as long as your corals are alive and well..[emoji2]