Rainbow colored algae? Okay, or problems?

[TexasDefender]

I started up a 150 gallon tank with a 2' x 4' footprint about 3 months ago. Instead of using silica sand, I used crushed limestone sand (chemically known as calcium carbonate, which is SUPPOSED to be the same chemical composition as Aragonite (but for only $3 per 50 lb. bag at Keller Materials on 410 in San Antonio - i handwashed out the dust first). I boiled and bleached my deadhead coral, and cycled my new tank for a month. Then I added a few basic fish, and now, a couple months later, my rocks, the top layer of my sand and my walls are growing brown, red, or green. I have a Fluval FX5 and a Coralife 220 gal. skimmer, so I believe I have pretty good water filtration and flow.

Would one or two seasoned MAAST veterans please look at my picture and let me know if this doesn't look right? Thoughts? I would eventually like to get coralline algae going. What is the best way I can get there without nasty side effects? Thanks for your opinions!!!
Aquarium100910.jpg

[txav8r]

That's just a part of setting up a new tank. I suggest giving it some time. It will pass.

[jroescher]

If you don't already have them, a couple of powerheads for more flow inside the tank and a cleanup crew. At least snails. I like crabs, but some people don't.

[Reefer4ever]

Is this "slime algae"? If so the green is cyanobacteria and a pain to get rid of. The red might be red slime algae. I am no expert, but as Jack said, with time I think it will go away.

[Big_Pun]

that's not cyano for sure don't worry, that just the cycle. just keep up with water changes and if u can us ro/di water, it will pass after a while

[Regric25]

+1 not cyano! I am not a seasoned reefer (1 year) but I recommend more flow, RODI, water changes, cuc and time. Don't be suprised if your WHOLE tank gets covered in this stuff but it should go away as fast as it appears. As you already may know, coralline algae will take a while to grow but you will get it. Looks like you are on the right track though!

[cbianco]

It looks like a new tank is supposed to!

Not much you can do to deter algae during a tank's start-up. It's all part of the process and you're just along for the ride. Enjoy!

Christopher

[jroescher]

You have to have coralline to grow coralline. Put something in your tank that has coralline on it, in the path of a powerhead, and it will start to spread.