What is this Red Alge and Why?

[JimDog2015]

Ok, so I have cycling my 150 gal tank about 60 days now, we have only added live sand about 2 weeks ago. We have no livestock in the tank or refugium.
Now this morning we have this red alge that is growing pretty fast.

These are the levels I currently have:
NITRATE = .50
NITRATE= 0-5.0
PH - 7.8 = 8.0
AMMONIA = 0.0
PHOSPHATE = 0.0
CALCIUM = 200-220

What is this, and what should I do about it? I wanted to begin adding one or two soft corals, but now I'm not sure.

 

[Lynn52]

It kind of look like diatoms which are part of the cycling process. It could also be cyano. Again Often part of the cycling process or excess nutrients.

 

[JimDog2015]

It kind of look like diatoms which are part of the cycling process. It could also be cyano. Again Often part of the cycling process or excess nutrients.

ok thanks, if it is that should I be concerned with?
I think I just need my Nitrates to drop to zero then I can add a little livestock.

 

[Lenny_S]

Looks like diatoms, definitely normal. They get worse with higher levels of silicate. From what I see, a rather minor case.

 

[Lynn52]

Diatoms will clear on their own. If it is cyano might go away on its own as water improves.

 

[JimDog2015]

Looks like diatoms, definitely normal. They get worse with higher levels of silicate. From what I see, a rather minor case.

ok, good to know. The stuff looks like its doubled in size since this morning! It seems like wildly aggressive.

 

[Reefrookie220]

If you still have nitrites then your still cycling.

 

[JimDog2015]

If you still have nitrites then your still cycling.

yep, thanks.. We are going to make sure we are zero before adding anything.

 

[chimmike]

adding that live sand into the process of cycling probably prolonged it a little while longer

 

[JimDog2015]

adding that live sand into the process of cycling probably prolonged it a little while longer

Really??? Rats, I thought I was doing good....ok, I have learned in this hobby nothing good comes out of rushing.

Thanks