algae?
 

i have purple and green colored stuff on my liverock, i know thats algae and its normal, but im also seeing bright red layers too now, is that normal?

and also i tested the levels my ammonia and nitrite level are both 0,
am i ready to add fish slowly?

if it's not fuzzy, leafy or hairy then it's all coraline algae and a great sign.

Sounds like you're ready to add some life to the tank. Most people start with hermit crabs or snails (clean up crew) although both eventually got on my nerves and I have none of either anymore.

oh haha why is that? u dont like them?

They knock things over, climb on and pick at my sps. Maybe I bought the wrong type of snails but I would sometimes need to put them upright after falling over lol.

Decided it was cheaper and less hassle to turkey baste the rock instead.

Still have crabs though... I'd recommend porcelains to everyone. I have two and want more. Completely peaceful and setup shop somewhere and that's that. Sorta nice being able to always find them and show them to people.

^^No comment.

I would try a clean up crew first, before anything else. You may find that your crabs will eat your snails for their shells. Have bigger homes for them to avoid this.

I'm with Brett, crabs can be a PITA for crawling on, and picking at your corals. Snails are nice for cleaning the glass though.

On topic, if you post a pic you will get a better ID.

I'm with you not advertising that you have crabs, at least you aren't complaining about itching and scratching in different places. Haha! :wink:

However, I'm getting annoyed with the snails and hermits picking at clams and knocking things over. They just don't seem to understand that we place corals in certain spots for a reason.

I spend almost as much time picking up snails and placing them where they should be than anything else. There ought to be a reef school of some kind training for those buggers!

hmmm, crabs...ewww j/k. My crabs seem well behaved, haven't killed any snails yet and don't seem to annoy the corals, but I don't have a lot yet.

I agree with the snails, but they are a great with the intial set up until things start to stabilize in the tank. I just added 10 mexican turbos and yes, they knock everything over that isn't glued down - between them and the cleaner shrimp.... But, they've done a great job cleaning up the red turf algae I was dealing with, almost all gone after 2 weeks, think I may have to give a few away so they don't starve, but they still have some work to do!

CUC reefer school...:rofl2:good one!

Damn seen Parkinsn reply my wife had to help me get of the floor.:razz: