Algae

[Nikb]

I'm just setting up my tank and noticed this morning that the rock I have in the tank is turning green in sections. I presume this is the start of algal growth. I've keep the lighting to under 12hrs a day, have added some plant food! and am using ammonia for a fishless cycle. Am I ok to just take the rock out and pour boiling water over it or will this not be sufficient to kill the algae? There's not a lot of it there yet but I don't want it becoming a problem before I've even got any fish.

 

[GraemeK]

you'll aways get a little algae...

If it gets worse you could either try cleaning the rock with a tooth brush, cut down the light more, introduce some fast growing plants or use a phostate remover.

G

 

[Pescado Guy]

Yeah, I would just leave it. I have algae growth like that on the rocks in my 29 gallon aquarium. It is nothing to worry about at this stage. Keep watching it and if it gets too much use a phosphate and nitrate remover. You could also use Reverse Osmosis water which has basically no "algae food" like phosphate or nitrate. Just don't be worried, every aquarium has some algae. Small amounts of algae actually look good because they give the aquarium a more natural look.

Kevin