Is this the start of green hair algae?

[schaNYC]

Week 5 of fishless cycle. Zero ammonia, high nitrites and nitrates currently. Started with only base rock and dry sand. Green spotting on rock and sandbed near rock.

Can't post URL for image yet.

 

[pkane11384]

Most likely. What are you PO4 readings? Definitely time for a clean-up crew

 

[schaNYC]

I don't have a phosphate test yet but my nitrites and nitrates are off the charts. Nitrites 5.0+ and nitrates 160. Performed a 25% wc but no change. I will perform a 80% wc this weekend and scrub off the algae. Will soaking the rock in vinegar solution help as well?

I was thinking about adding a CUC but I thought the high nitrates would harm them, no?

 

[schaNYC]

Will attach a pic, not all that fuzzy/hairy yet. Also the brown spots is just rock discoloration, no diatom bloom yet.

 

[schaNYC]

 

[pkane11384]

Definitely not hair algae. Looks like coralline

 

[pkane11384]

Don't do anything to the rock. LEAVE IT BE

 

[schaNYC]

Phew! Thx for confirming.