paste-like substance on live rock

[cody57]

i notice on most all of my lr theres a smooth paste-like coating forming on my lr. ranges in color from very light violet to light green. what is it and is this good/normal?

 

[sebae0]

first off how ols is your tank? the "paste" you are referring to is slime algae the green stuff and the violet is probably cyanbacteria. cyano is caused by high phosphate and low water movement. the green stuff usually comes around in newly cycled tanks and will go away.

 

[cody57]

the rock is abt a month old and a week old. i point my aquaclear 5000 and hagen 802 at lr from both ends. though i might add, the 5000 wasnt operating at full strength til i chg'd the canister filter.

 

[sebae0]

what type of water do you use? If you use tap water it is high in alot of bad minerals and will cause bad algae growth. r/o water is better, if you have the means to get some i would advise to use it. also if your water is high in phosphate you can get a phosphate remover to help you out. good luck