NSW, DIY rocks, and algea

[poedag]

so i figured a while back (jan) that my new tank would be done A: on the cheaper side where possible), and B: with as little impact on the natural reefs as possible (aquacultured stuff as much as possible)

knowing this i began my search for rock and long story short ended up sort of following GARF's formula for aragacrete with a few tweaks. i have been curing the rock in a large tub and changing out the water almost daily for ~4 months, and checking the ph weekly.

prior to the last 3 weeks i was using RO/DI water from my lab. since it's lab grade it is filtered very well and polished to near perfection. about three weeks ago i switched to NSW which as anyone from the are will tell you, is a blessing to have freely available here at UCSB. i was changing the water ~5 times a week (whenever i drove to work) but was traveling out to Santa Cruz Island last week and was unable to change the water for over 7 days.

now comes the interesting part.

i came back to find green algae growing all over the rocks that were exposed to sunlight. now i'm sure that it was introduced via the NSW, but i'm curious if i need to scrub the rocks before i put them into my tank (running for 4 months now) the ph of the rock has come down to ~8.0-8.2 and i would like to do the long awaited aquascaping this weekend.

so my question is, should i worry about this algae (small green, not hairy or anything like that) or should i just consider it food for my snails and critters and a good sign that the rock is done?

thanks in advance -

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

I wouldn't worry about the algae. It will eventually use it's food source. Use the same precautions as if the tank were infested with algae.

Here are some interesting reads for you that you might like.
My DIY Rock Thread. Chauked full of information. Even the question you asked - http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=807988
My 75g Reef Build Log. This system will be completely aquacultured or tank raised done as cheap as possible. The tank is almost set up and I've only spent a little over $300. - http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=875880
Here is adnup's 55g Reef Build Log. We have a little competition going about who can do theirs the cheapest. His looks better than mine, but I think I may have spent less so far - http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=831994

 

[Ryanqk]

I would welcome the algae as long as it is controled, the tanks in our lab at UNF almost always had small amounts of green algae this is only natural, whats unnatural is no green algae or only coralline algae, which is good in its own right but each type plays a role in the enviroment. Many natural inverts and fish would normally prey on it. I think trying to exterminate it is not helpfull, controling in naturally is.. As for the rock being done.. thats a different matter. It depends on other algae populations, and the growth of other inverts, copepodes, and minute microfuana which you must look for. I do not believe in putting rock which is barely colonated in the closed reef system. Hey thats just my input but you may have success in varying degrees with other methods too. Having lab facilities is always a big plus and the water and supplies at your hands can really make a difference along with patience and a good supply of good equip. funded of course by a university.
Ryan