What do I need to look for on my live rock?

Carissa · 10/07/2008, 02:28 PM

Ok, so I just set up a fowlr tank and I don't have any snails or anything in it yet. Thus far I only see lots of hot pink spots on the live rock, about 1/8" in diameter. Is this coralline algae? Also, I see lots of very tiny white hairs sticking straight off of it. They are about as thick as, or smaller than, a hair, and are between 1/8" and 1/4" long. Not sure if this is anything? What should I be watching for (good or bad)?

HighlandReefer · 10/07/2008, 03:32 PM

Sounds like the hot pink spots are coralline algae.

The very tiny white hairs sticking straight off your rock could be any number of things: Two that come to mind are tube worms or the root like structures of macroalge that were removed before shipment.

Here is a link that will get you started on many of the things you can bring in on live rock: Why It's Called Live Rock, Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/ar...N=2004&aid=936

There are other links in this article with many pictures.

10/07/2008, 02:28 PM	#1
Carissa Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 150	What do I need to look for on my live rock? Ok, so I just set up a fowlr tank and I don't have any snails or anything in it yet. Thus far I only see lots of hot pink spots on the live rock, about 1/8" in diameter. Is this coralline algae? Also, I see lots of very tiny white hairs sticking straight off of it. They are about as thick as, or smaller than, a hair, and are between 1/8" and 1/4" long. Not sure if this is anything? What should I be watching for (good or bad)?

10/07/2008, 03:32 PM	#2
HighlandReefer Team RC Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highland, Maryland Entomologist Posts: 14,591	Sounds like the hot pink spots are coralline algae. The very tiny white hairs sticking straight off your rock could be any number of things: Two that come to mind are tube worms or the root like structures of macroalge that were removed before shipment. Here is a link that will get you started on many of the things you can bring in on live rock: Why It's Called Live Rock, Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/ar...N=2004&aid=936 There are other links in this article with many pictures. __________________ Cliff Babcock Intestests: Digital Microscopy; Marine Pest Control; Marine Plants & Macroalgae Current Tank Info: 180 g. mixed reef system