White stuff on live rock

[jussmeac]

Now into about day 6 with my first 10 gallon reef tank. I bought about 50 lbs of live rock from gulf view and now some of the nicer growths are turning white. I suppose this stuff is dieing due to the ammonia spike.

But I was wondering do I just leave it on the rock or do I take this off? I also just did about a 10 gallon water change lat night.

Thanks for the help

 

[danmhippo]

"what" is turning white? Green algae? Red algae? Sponge? or Polyps of some sort?

 

[jussmeac]

Looks like mostly sponges and some red algae

 

[danmhippo]

When sponges were exposed to air for some time and air trapped in their cells, it will die, bleach, turn white and rots away. Red algaes, depending on your lighting, may discolor and rots away if your lighting is too strong. IME, Red algae grows best under VHO. If you are placing red algae under PC or MH, place it in a darker area.

What you are observing is normal. Whatever melts away will contribute into the nitrogen cycle. What you can do is aim a swift current onto the rotting area and blow the debris into the water column for easier pickup by your skimmer.

 

[Rich-n-poor]

Did You say a "10" gallon water change in a "10" gallon tank ?

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[jussmeac]

Opps..I meant 10 gallon water cahnge out of 40 gallons