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red green on live rock

25 9:30:13

Question

live rock
i was wondering if this green and red stuff on my live rock and crushed coral was good for my aquarium or not?
Also if i want to have mushroom coral what type of light would i need and where would i get it for a 10 gallon.
right now for water flow i only have a filter and bubble strip would i need more water flow for mushroom corals? what is the easiest coral to have?

Answer
Hi Oscar,

I'd have to know your tank's conditions to properly diagnose that, but it appears to be Coralline Algae, which is healthy.

The green may be hair algae and the red could also be Cyanobacteria...we can't assume it's good algae unless it's hard as a rock when touched.  If it is hard and scaley, it's beneficial.  If it's slimy, it's not.

You will need some good flow for anything you keep in the tank.  Get a powerhead. :)

As far as the stuff on the rocks goes...if you can swish water over it and it flies up, it's harmful and you need to do immediate water changes.

To answer this more thoroughly, please do the tests above and let me know.  Also, send in your water's results for nitrites/nitrates, ammonia, calcium, magnesium and PH.

Thanks,
Renee