got my live rock - some questions (?)

[Sean Smith]

My Live Rock (40kg Fiji) went into my new virginal tank yesterday.

1) what are the purple growths?
2) the green lumps ?
3) the worm-like things attached to the rock but reaching out into the water?
4) mossy growths
5) finger-like bristley growths
7) what happened to 6?


I have to admit to a sinking feeling as this expensive purchase seems to be dieing in front of my eyes. I know about die-back; but can somebody please make me feel better and reassure me that it will spring back into life?!

Going to watch for the readings to drop then my plan is to add a couple of yellow-tailed damsels. Good idea?

[phistio]

sean...

since your setup is new, and you have no fish, personally i would cure the LR in my tank. i'd brush off what i knew was dying, andput it right in the tank. then i'd place a powerhead (or 2 or 3) aimed right at the new rock. by doing this, you have a better chance of having diverse amounts of micro life in your tank.

also, why not just throw in a few raw cocktail shrimp to raise your ammonia, that way you don't have to worry about stressing a fish if water perameters were way out of porportion. if you still want the damsels, you can add the yellow tails after you've cycled ammonia. JMO FWIW... :wink:

[Pineapple House]

1) what are the purple growths?
2) the green lumps ?
3) the worm-like things attached to the rock but reaching out into the water?
4) mossy growths
5) finger-like bristley growths
7) what happened to 6?

1) Likely coralline algae
2) Sounds like a form of Calerpa or green coralline
3) Sounds like a bristle worm. Speghetti worms also can fit your dicription.
4) Likely a species of Calerpa
5) A pic would help
7) ?

I know about die-back; but can somebody please make me feel better and reassure me that it will spring back into life?!

If your water conditions are good enough, they will grow back shortly. It will take some time, but it will all grow back :)

PH =)