Why is my rock turning green?

[blane1983]

Ok i have posted on the subject of setting up my tank and now have some more issues I think. I am just starting this tank and have had it cycling for 9 days now. The rock I have in there is all starting to turn green. I have been running the tank without lights while cycling and am doing weekly water changes since the rock I used is out of another tank and sat out of water for two weeks. What is this? Is it normal? Should I be concerned? I have posted a few pictures of what I'm seeing.

[Jamie]

It's hard to tell from the pics, but my guess is that the rocks had a die off period and now this is providing nutrients for variuos types of algae, one of which is putting a thin green layer on your rocks. Does it wipe off easily? When you turn on the lights, various other forms will probably emerge like hair algae. Let the tank cycle and after a while it will go away with water changes and proper maintenance.

[dmweise]

Could be algae growth. How long are your lights on each day?

[JimD]

New tank syndrome, perfectly normal...

[blane1983]

It does wipe off easy and has a slimy feel to it. I do not run the lights at all right now.

[tony]

New tank syndrome, perfectly normal...

x2

[ballardjr2000]

new tank fighting it as i got after my cycle added livestock still fighting it some. alage new tank normal

[uriah]

No need to change water while cycling... I assume no livestock since you are cycling... The rock out of water for two weeks probly has die off, so I would drop a few good pieces of live rock to seed the dead rock. From the pic, looks like you have some coraline algea, maybe okay without additional live rock. You are okay...


I have been running the tank without lights while cycling and am doing weekly water changes since the rock I used is out of another tank and sat out of water for two weeks.

[Jamie]

Good point Uriah, I missed that. The idea for the cycle is to let your various nitrogen levels elevate so that you can establish colonies of beneficial bacteria to process them. Without the food(amonia/nitrites), the bacteria won't grow. If you're doing water changes while you're cycling, your short changing your bacteria's ability to develope into a strong population. Once all of your Ammonia, Nitrites, and then Nitrates have cycled, then start doing water changes to keep your nitrates in check. After the cycle, ammonia and nitrites shouldn't be a problem unless something abnormal happens....ie a large fish dies and you don't remove it from the tank, or you overfeed etc...

[JoshOdphi]

yea its perfectly normal...i jus added new rock to my 37....tha other rock was established...so i kinda looks like that as well...but coraline slowly growing onto it....jus wait it you'll be alright

[ballardjr2000]

also what really makes it jump out is the fact that your using the flash without the tank light on. i noticed it also with my tank lights on and no flash the green really doesn't jump out as with the flash and no tank light. its like pretty with the light to wth without the light.