Removing algae from live rock?

willewonka

New member
I've got an additional 50lbs of live rock I want to put in my tank. The problem is that it has red and hair algae on it. I've got it in a plastic bin filled with salt water right now with a pump agitating the water for aeration. It has a cover over it to keep light out. Will this eventually kill the algae, and how long do I probably have to wait before I have algae free rock to put in my tank?
 
It will kill the algae. But without a skimmer in there, or frequent water changes, the live rock will absorb the nutrients that the dying algae leaves behind and the algae will regrow when given light again.
 
I have already brushed the liverock with a toothbrush, but there was just too much algae all together. What if I do a water change once a week? I do have a spare skimmer I could use, but I would have to take the cover off to use the skimmer. The algae could then get some light. Which is better, or should I do both?
 
Back
Top