What are you???

[jonthany]

This looks like black algae but I am not sure. It seems to be popping up in random spots on the rock. Can anyone give me a hand in identifying it and what to do if its bad.....
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n234/jonthany/IMG_03481_zpsbf38d945.jpg (http://s113.photobucket.com/user/jonthany/media/IMG_03481_zpsbf38d945.jpg.html)

[jonthany]

bump... anyone have any idea what this stuff is?
more pics
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n234/jonthany/IMG_03491_zpsd0dae585.jpg (http://s113.photobucket.com/user/jonthany/media/IMG_03491_zpsd0dae585.jpg.html)
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n234/jonthany/IMG_03501_zpsd46d9274.jpg (http://s113.photobucket.com/user/jonthany/media/IMG_03501_zpsd46d9274.jpg.html)
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n234/jonthany/IMG_03511_zpsc57c624e.jpg (http://s113.photobucket.com/user/jonthany/media/IMG_03511_zpsc57c624e.jpg.html)

[jrp1588]

Pics are a bit blurry, but it looks like cyano to me. Your tank looks like it's brand new, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Perfectly natural in the beginning. If it starts taking over, then get proactive.

[jonthany]

It just worried me because its black. There are lots of other stuff growing on the rocks, brown red green but nothing black before. I wasn't sure what it was. Tank has been up about 11 weeks.

[jrp1588]

I'm about 90% sure it's cyano. It can range from black to green to red. If it gets out of line, check your phosphate levels.

[jonthany]

Phospates are at .25 according to that color chart thingy. I tested them 2 days ago. I had no idea that way high. I am considering getting a GFO reactor. Would you suggest that as well?

[jrp1588]

I run one. Currently I'm playing with the idea of converting it to a LaCl reactor though. Check out this thread (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2288470). It seems to be much more affordable than GFO in the long run.

[jonthany]

I think ill stick with the gfo for now....