Can anyone identify this?

[askinz]

Over the past week or so I've watched this red patch slowly grow on one of my new pieces of live rock. I'm hoping that it's a good thing, but I have no idea what it is. Can anyone identify it by the picture? Just want to be sure it's not something that needs to go.

[gwen_o_lyn]

looks like cyano bacteria... add some more flow and feed less.

[drsyme]

Yes it is cyano. If this is a new tank this is a normal part of cycling and nothing to worry about.

[skeety]

Originally Posted by gwen_o_lyn

looks like cyano bacteria... add some more flow and feed less.

Bingo!!

[askinz]

Ok, thanks. Good to know. It is a new tank, about 2 weeks since the live rock and clownfish were added. In addition to the cyanobacteria, I've also had a burst of algae growth. I just added 15 turo snails to try to help out. Is all that growth what you want during the initial cycle, or do you want to keep it in check, even early on? I'm leaning toward trying to keep the tank looking cleaner, but will leave it alone, if that's what's best to let the tank cycle.
Finally, do you want to perform partial water changes during the initial cycle, or do you just let things ride until the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels peak and then normalize on their own?

[grantman]

I don't know how sensitive clownfish are to a cycle but I think you might want to wait before you put more livestock in until the beginning cycle is complete and maybe do some water changes to help out your little nemo there weather the cycle a little easier.

[johnny505]

I wouldnt do a water change untill the tank is totally cycled. IMO.... a water change will only slow the cycle down. Was the LR cured before you placed it in the tank? if it wasnt cured than maybe do a smaller water change but def run a skimmer

[askinz]

Originally Posted by johnny505

I wouldnt do a water change untill the tank is totally cycled. IMO.... a water change will only slow the cycle down. Was the LR cured before you placed it in the tank? if it wasnt cured than maybe do a smaller water change but def run a skimmer

That's what I was wondering about...whether or not to disrupt the process of the first cycle with a water change.
As far as I know, the LR was not cured. I do have a skimmer running already. That being the case, do you still think I should hold off on the water change?

[grantman]

I think it might make it easier on the fish if you did a water change. I think it might prolong the cycle but is that what is important?

[xtopher]

definately cyano, it is also too late to worry about nemo now. Just make sure that you don't add any more livestock until the tank is fully cycled and make sure you are patient when addind new livestock as to not create another mini cycle