Is this good or bad algae?

[jpawson]

Hi,
Can someone tell me if this is good or bad algae? My tank has been running since November 2002. Most of my rock is starting to turn light purple, but a bunch of it is turning this redish/maroon color. Is this bad algae? Thanks
Joel

 

[nm reef]

There are reddish/maroon colored coraline algaes. Is yours hard to the touch like other coralines?What you have pictured may be some early stages of cyano bacteria...I'd suggest a search for info on cyano just in case.

 

[jpawson]

this stuff is hard and is covering the rocks in a hard crust. I did some reading on Cyano(sp) and I do not know if that is my problem. I have never tested my water for phosphates, so maybe I should. I have great water movement and have never had any other algae problem. Lighting is ok: 260W Power Compacts and 3 48' VHO's
Does the Cyano crust over rocks?

 

[jumpfrog]

If it's hard, it's good! Cyano is slimey and is easily sucked up or disturbed. Looks to me like some very nice colored coraline. Congrats!