Lalo Live Rock - White Out (Looks like new growth not death)

Shrimp_Killer · 03/30/2006, 08:46 AM

Hello Everyone,

I bought 30 lbs of the Lalo live rock. I have had it curing in my new 24G NanoCube for 3 weeks now. The tank is cycled (did so in 2 weeks). Now the rock has started to white-out all over, but the white outs look more like new growth, not die off. I also have parts of the rock that seem to be getting more colorful, but the white is worrying me. Do I need to start over with new rock? What could I have done wrong? I have several Dwarf zebra HC , snails, and an emerald crab in the tank...all seem to be doing well. What could be causing these white-outs? I ordering every water test you guys sell, but they are still in route. PH and Specific Gravity are within norms, and temperature stays at 80 (This is as low as my cube will go).

dfs/la2 · 03/30/2006, 09:23 AM

Shrimp_Killer,

Without further water parameters it can be difficult to determine exactly what you are seeing in your aquarium, however, it sounds as though it may be a calcium deposit. We would recommend testing your calcium and alkalinity levels once your test kits are received. As your water parameters stabilize out with age of the tank, you will see that new coralline algae growth will begin to be more prominent.

If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us again at 1-800-334-3699 or [email protected].

Happy Reefing,

Leah B.
LiveAquaria.com

Shrimp_Killer · 03/30/2006, 09:33 AM

Thanks for the fast response. I think I will be recieving various test that I ordered from you guys today. So I will post back with the results.

FYI - I will post results for:

PH
SG
ALK
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Iron
Copper
Phosphate
Silicate
Iodine - Iodide
Calcium
Carbonate/Total Hardness

Will this be enough tests?

dfs/la2 · 03/30/2006, 10:58 AM

Shrimp_Killer,

The tests you have listed will most likely be adequate in determining what you are seeing in the aquarium. If you are able to provide a picture, this could also be helpful. We look forward to hearing from you again.

Happy Reefing!

Leah B.
LiveAquaria.com

Shrimp_Killer · 03/30/2006, 08:04 PM

First, I would like to say that I am very unhappy with the Seachem test I just bought from you guys. They are a true pain in the butt. They can say they have 75 test all day long, but this stuff is way to flimsy to hold up that long.

That said, I like your store

My results were as follows:

KH = 230 mg\L (OUCH)
CA = 380 mg\L
Temp = 81F
SG = 1.022
PH = 8.2
Ammonia = 0
Nitrite = 0
Nitrate = 10 mg\L
Copper = 0
Silicate = 1.5mg\L
ALK (Red Sea Test - PH\ALK) = High (Carolina Blue) ? 2.9-3.6?? - I would say > 3.4
Iodine = Not Detected
Iodide = > .1 mg\L ?? - I added some Seachem reef Iodide & Reef Plus a couple of days ago

What should I do? I just bought a new RO system, but I will not get it until next week. Can I wait that long to do a water chage? Anyway, thanks in advance.

thefishguy3 · 03/30/2006, 10:09 PM

Adding myself to the post because I want to purchase some of their LALO live rock as well.....

Shrimp_Killer · 03/31/2006, 07:21 AM

The rock "was" very colorful. I am sure it is turning white because of me

I did think that the shape of the rock was different than their website. It consisted of very big boulder like pieces, but overall I am happy with it...if I can fix it

Shrimp_Killer · 03/31/2006, 07:24 AM

I will try to get some pictures soon, but right now the only camera that I have is in my phone.

dfs/la2 · 03/31/2006, 09:07 AM

ShrimpKiller,

At this time, we would recommend 10% water changes on a weekly basis using the reverse osmosis water, once you receive the unit. Mix up your salt and allow it to dissolve for twenty-four hours and then do the water change. While waiting for the RO system to arrive, you can use distilled water from your local grocery store.

At this time, based on the water parameters you have provided, it does not appear that this is a calcium deposit. It does sound like it is the normal bleaching process that the rock goes through when curing in an aquarium with light. This is very common and is not a reason for concern. With proper water parameters and time, the coloration will return to the rock. We would recommend that you attempt to maintain the calcium levels between 380 Ã¢â‚¬â€œ 420 ppm, alkalinity levels between 8 Ã¢â‚¬â€œ 11 dKH, and pH between 8.1 and 8.3. It can take several weeks to several months for the coloration to return. To speed this process, you can use a supplement such as the PurpleUp. This product can be found at the following link: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...c=1&N=0&Nty=1.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-334-3699 or [email protected].

Happy Reefing!

Leah B.
LiveAquaria.com

Shrimp_Killer · 03/31/2006, 09:27 AM

Thanks for all your help.

What exactly is dKH? The test I have for KH is in mg\L. The ALK test I have is (Red Sea PH\ALK) off the charts.

thefishguy3 · 03/31/2006, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Shrimp_Killer
I will try to get some pictures soon, but right now the only camera that I have is in my phone.

That would be GREAT, as I am very interested in this live rock if it looks like it does on the webiste.

dfs/la2 · 03/31/2006, 10:10 AM

Shrimp_Killer,

DKH is a German measurement which means a degree of carbonate hardness. We do not have information available on the Red Sea Test Kit at this time, however, the instructions included with the kit should provide you with an interpretation. We do have the interpretation available for the SeaChem Test Kit. If you PM your email address to us, we would be happy to email you a copy of the instructions along with the interpretation.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-334-3699 or at [email protected].

Happy Reefing!

Leah B.
LiveAquaria.com

thefishguy3 · 03/31/2006, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dfs/la2
To speed this process, you can use a supplement such as the PurpleUp. This product can be found at the following link: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...c=1&N=0&Nty=1.

Happy Reefing!

Leah B.
LiveAquaria.com

Just a question about Purple Up, it says it stimulates the growth of green and purple algae, does that inhibit or overtake the yellow, orange, and red algae of the LALO?

dfs/la2 · 03/31/2006, 10:28 AM

Thefishguy3,

PurpleUp will encourage the green and purple coralline algae growth. It is not uncommon, however, that the purple coralline algae can outgrow the other colors such as yellow, orange, and red.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us again at 1-800-334-3699 or [email protected].

Happy Reefing!

Leah B.
LiveAquaria.com

thefishguy3 · 03/31/2006, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dfs/la2
Thefishguy3,

PurpleUp will encourage the green and purple coralline algae growth. It is not uncommon, however, that the purple coralline algae can outgrow the other colors such as yellow, orange, and red.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us again at 1-800-334-3699 or [email protected].

Happy Reefing!

Leah B.
LiveAquaria.com

Ok, dont want to use that then, the whole idea of the LALO is to get the yellow, orange and red colors..

What products do you recommend then?

dfs/la2 · 03/31/2006, 11:28 AM

Thefishguy3,

Unfortunately, any product used to encourage coralline algae growth will normally encourage the purple and green color forms. At this time, our best recommendation is to provide proper water parameters including ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, alkalinity, calcium, salinity, and temperature.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us again at 1-800-334-3699 or [email protected].

Happy Reefing!

Leah B.
LiveAquaria.com

Shrimp_Killer · 03/31/2006, 11:52 AM

I am sorry for any confusion. The Calcium and GH\KH tests that I got from DFS were Hagen products.

Is there a formula to convert KH mg\L into dKH? The instructions give me some info on interpretation, but not on conversion.

Thanks.

dfs/la2 · 03/31/2006, 12:22 PM

Shrimp_Killer

To convert KH to dKH, you divide the KH number by 18.9. Your KH reading of 230 divided by 18.9 would provide you with a dKH level of 12.17. This level is slightly high and can be corrected through small 10% water changes on a weekly basis using a high quality salt mix.

If we can be of additional assistance, please contact us again at 1-800-334-3699 or [email protected].

Happy Reefing!

Leah B.
LiveAquaria.com

Shrimp_Killer · 03/31/2006, 12:48 PM

Thanks for your help...you guys are great.

thefishguy3 · 04/03/2006, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Shrimp_Killer
I will try to get some pictures soon, but right now the only camera that I have is in my phone.

Hey there, just wondering how your LALO LR is doing?

Any chance of pics?

Thanks!

03/30/2006, 08:46 AM	#1
Shrimp_Killer Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Now - Alabama; Past - Alaska, Hawaii, North Carolina, Florida, Spain Posts: 49	Lalo Live Rock - White Out (Looks like new growth not death) Hello Everyone, I bought 30 lbs of the Lalo live rock. I have had it curing in my new 24G NanoCube for 3 weeks now. The tank is cycled (did so in 2 weeks). Now the rock has started to white-out all over, but the white outs look more like new growth, not die off. I also have parts of the rock that seem to be getting more colorful, but the white is worrying me. Do I need to start over with new rock? What could I have done wrong? I have several Dwarf zebra HC , snails, and an emerald crab in the tank...all seem to be doing well. What could be causing these white-outs? I ordering every water test you guys sell, but they are still in route. PH and Specific Gravity are within norms, and temperature stays at 80 (This is as low as my cube will go).

03/30/2006, 08:04 PM	#5
Shrimp_Killer Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Now - Alabama; Past - Alaska, Hawaii, North Carolina, Florida, Spain Posts: 49	First, I would like to say that I am very unhappy with the Seachem test I just bought from you guys. They are a true pain in the butt. They can say they have 75 test all day long, but this stuff is way to flimsy to hold up that long. That said, I like your store My results were as follows: KH = 230 mg\L (OUCH) CA = 380 mg\L Temp = 81F SG = 1.022 PH = 8.2 Ammonia = 0 Nitrite = 0 Nitrate = 10 mg\L Copper = 0 Silicate = 1.5mg\L ALK (Red Sea Test - PH\ALK) = High (Carolina Blue) ? 2.9-3.6?? - I would say > 3.4 Iodine = Not Detected Iodide = > .1 mg\L ?? - I added some Seachem reef Iodide & Reef Plus a couple of days ago What should I do? I just bought a new RO system, but I will not get it until next week. Can I wait that long to do a water chage? Anyway, thanks in advance. Last edited by Shrimp_Killer; 03/30/2006 at 08:24 PM.

03/31/2006, 09:27 AM	#10
Shrimp_Killer Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Now - Alabama; Past - Alaska, Hawaii, North Carolina, Florida, Spain Posts: 49	Thanks for all your help. What exactly is dKH? The test I have for KH is in mg\L. The ALK test I have is (Red Sea PH\ALK) off the charts. Last edited by Shrimp_Killer; 03/31/2006 at 09:38 AM.

03/30/2006, 09:23 AM	#2
dfs/la2 RC Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 4,434	Shrimp_Killer, Without further water parameters it can be difficult to determine exactly what you are seeing in your aquarium, however, it sounds as though it may be a calcium deposit. We would recommend testing your calcium and alkalinity levels once your test kits are received. As your water parameters stabilize out with age of the tank, you will see that new coralline algae growth will begin to be more prominent. If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us again at 1-800-334-3699 or [email protected]. Happy Reefing, Leah B. LiveAquaria.com

03/30/2006, 09:33 AM	#3
Shrimp_Killer Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Now - Alabama; Past - Alaska, Hawaii, North Carolina, Florida, Spain Posts: 49	Thanks for the fast response. I think I will be recieving various test that I ordered from you guys today. So I will post back with the results. FYI - I will post results for: PH SG ALK Ammonia Nitrite Nitrate Iron Copper Phosphate Silicate Iodine - Iodide Calcium Carbonate/Total Hardness Will this be enough tests?

03/30/2006, 10:58 AM	#4
dfs/la2 RC Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 4,434	Shrimp_Killer, The tests you have listed will most likely be adequate in determining what you are seeing in the aquarium. If you are able to provide a picture, this could also be helpful. We look forward to hearing from you again. Happy Reefing! Leah B. LiveAquaria.com

03/30/2006, 10:09 PM	#6
thefishguy3 Moved On Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Appleton, WI Posts: 85	Adding myself to the post because I want to purchase some of their LALO live rock as well.....

03/31/2006, 07:21 AM	#7
Shrimp_Killer Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Now - Alabama; Past - Alaska, Hawaii, North Carolina, Florida, Spain Posts: 49	The rock "was" very colorful. I am sure it is turning white because of me I did think that the shape of the rock was different than their website. It consisted of very big boulder like pieces, but overall I am happy with it...if I can fix it

03/31/2006, 07:24 AM	#8
Shrimp_Killer Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Now - Alabama; Past - Alaska, Hawaii, North Carolina, Florida, Spain Posts: 49	I will try to get some pictures soon, but right now the only camera that I have is in my phone.

03/31/2006, 09:07 AM	#9
dfs/la2 RC Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 4,434	ShrimpKiller, At this time, we would recommend 10% water changes on a weekly basis using the reverse osmosis water, once you receive the unit. Mix up your salt and allow it to dissolve for twenty-four hours and then do the water change. While waiting for the RO system to arrive, you can use distilled water from your local grocery store. At this time, based on the water parameters you have provided, it does not appear that this is a calcium deposit. It does sound like it is the normal bleaching process that the rock goes through when curing in an aquarium with light. This is very common and is not a reason for concern. With proper water parameters and time, the coloration will return to the rock. We would recommend that you attempt to maintain the calcium levels between 380 Ã¢â‚¬â€œ 420 ppm, alkalinity levels between 8 Ã¢â‚¬â€œ 11 dKH, and pH between 8.1 and 8.3. It can take several weeks to several months for the coloration to return. To speed this process, you can use a supplement such as the PurpleUp. This product can be found at the following link: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...c=1&N=0&Nty=1. If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-334-3699 or [email protected]. Happy Reefing! Leah B. LiveAquaria.com

03/31/2006, 10:10 AM	#12
dfs/la2 RC Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 4,434	Shrimp_Killer, DKH is a German measurement which means a degree of carbonate hardness. We do not have information available on the Red Sea Test Kit at this time, however, the instructions included with the kit should provide you with an interpretation. We do have the interpretation available for the SeaChem Test Kit. If you PM your email address to us, we would be happy to email you a copy of the instructions along with the interpretation. If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-334-3699 or at [email protected]. Happy Reefing! Leah B. LiveAquaria.com

03/31/2006, 10:28 AM	#14
dfs/la2 RC Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 4,434	Thefishguy3, PurpleUp will encourage the green and purple coralline algae growth. It is not uncommon, however, that the purple coralline algae can outgrow the other colors such as yellow, orange, and red. If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us again at 1-800-334-3699 or [email protected]. Happy Reefing! Leah B. LiveAquaria.com

03/31/2006, 11:28 AM	#16
dfs/la2 RC Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 4,434	Thefishguy3, Unfortunately, any product used to encourage coralline algae growth will normally encourage the purple and green color forms. At this time, our best recommendation is to provide proper water parameters including ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, alkalinity, calcium, salinity, and temperature. If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us again at 1-800-334-3699 or [email protected]. Happy Reefing! Leah B. LiveAquaria.com

03/31/2006, 11:52 AM	#17
Shrimp_Killer Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Now - Alabama; Past - Alaska, Hawaii, North Carolina, Florida, Spain Posts: 49	I am sorry for any confusion. The Calcium and GH\KH tests that I got from DFS were Hagen products. Is there a formula to convert KH mg\L into dKH? The instructions give me some info on interpretation, but not on conversion. Thanks.

03/31/2006, 12:22 PM	#18
dfs/la2 RC Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 4,434	Shrimp_Killer To convert KH to dKH, you divide the KH number by 18.9. Your KH reading of 230 divided by 18.9 would provide you with a dKH level of 12.17. This level is slightly high and can be corrected through small 10% water changes on a weekly basis using a high quality salt mix. If we can be of additional assistance, please contact us again at 1-800-334-3699 or [email protected]. Happy Reefing! Leah B. LiveAquaria.com

03/31/2006, 12:48 PM	#19
Shrimp_Killer Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Now - Alabama; Past - Alaska, Hawaii, North Carolina, Florida, Spain Posts: 49	Thanks for your help...you guys are great.