Algae????

[phild]

My 90 gal bow is STILL cycling after TWO months (waiting is so hard) ammonia is at 0, nitrites are still off the scale...
Question I have is the live rock I put in a few weeks ago is now beginning to get covered with a white crusty substance. This white "crust" has also appeared at some places on the dsb. What is this? Should I be alarmed?
Also, there are a few spots on some decorative skeletons that have developed a bright red algae (the "mad smiley" message icon is about the same color). What is this?
Also, is there anything I can do to help speed up this never ending cycle?
Thanks in advance!
Phil

 

[thewolfman777]

i am pretty sure that it is white coralline algae. i did not know that it could spread to the substrate though. it is good to have this, it shows your tank is becoming alive. it also varies in color too, white, green, purple...

 

[thewolfman777]

yes my cycle took 30 days + to fully cycle and that was also introducing l/r to the tank during the cycle and making a few other mistakes... i didnt know that purple coraline algae turned white when it died. but all white coraline algae does not indicate purple coraline death does it?

 

[twoods71]

I agree with the above post about the red algae you are seeing.
Visit this post about nuisance algae if you like.
<a href="https://www.saltwaterfish.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=12&t=009964" target="_blank">Click right here on me </a>

 

[phild]

Thanks for the advice! I will definately have the LFS check out the water. I also currently have my lights on for 9 hours a day (with the blues on a half hour on either side.) Is this ok, or should I change it?
Thanks for the link! That info rocks! I think that I am going to be looking into a new powerhead to help stir up things around the bottom...