Hello everyone,
I recently completed the cycling process for my new small tank, which I intend to use as a quarantine tank in the future. The cycling took approximately 7 weeks to establish a stable environment.
This tank is a simple 8-gallon setup with a substrate composed of MarcoRocks reef saver and a gravel bed. To jumpstart the cycling, I introduced a saltwater-acclimated molly fish, and also included some water and a small piece of live rock from my well-established main reef tank (45 gal, mix of SPS and LPS).
Currently, the tank's water parameters appear to be stable and reasonable good. However, I've encountered an unusual algae bloom that I'm struggling to identify. This algae is red in color, not slimy in texture, and has a powdery consistency that seems to encrust the surfaces of both the gravel and the rock. Strangely, I've found it impossible to clean or even scrape it off.
I have attached some pictures for reference.
I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice on how to address and manage this algae issue. Thank you in advance for your help.
I recently completed the cycling process for my new small tank, which I intend to use as a quarantine tank in the future. The cycling took approximately 7 weeks to establish a stable environment.
This tank is a simple 8-gallon setup with a substrate composed of MarcoRocks reef saver and a gravel bed. To jumpstart the cycling, I introduced a saltwater-acclimated molly fish, and also included some water and a small piece of live rock from my well-established main reef tank (45 gal, mix of SPS and LPS).
Currently, the tank's water parameters appear to be stable and reasonable good. However, I've encountered an unusual algae bloom that I'm struggling to identify. This algae is red in color, not slimy in texture, and has a powdery consistency that seems to encrust the surfaces of both the gravel and the rock. Strangely, I've found it impossible to clean or even scrape it off.
I have attached some pictures for reference.
I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice on how to address and manage this algae issue. Thank you in advance for your help.