Live rock and tap water

[WoodRiverTroutBum]

Last week I bought a little over 20lbs of liverock to start my 20 gallon reef and the rock came from a tank that had tap water in it. I am wondering if this is going to cause me any issues or as long as I continue to use RO will I be fine? The water tests 0 for copper but I have not tested phosphates yet. Also, no red algae issues so far (knock on wood) just brown algae which if I am correct is Diatoms and as long as I don't let it go crazy and clean it off of glass and rock the rest will go away once my system is more established. So, should I be ok with this rock or should I start over? I REALLY like the layout I have set up now so I hate to take these pieces out but at the same time, I don't want to set myself up for issues down the line. Thanks!

Alex

 

[beckbrass]

If it had algae on it I would cook/cure it. Nothing like starting with a problem. If it is clean I would not think it to be much of a problem.

 

[WoodRiverTroutBum]

Thanks Beck. When I got it, it has some color to it but no bad algae. We will see how it goes! Thanks again.

 

[etszoo]

Or you could try cycling a few days with no light. If all it is is diatoms, then that may be the only drastic thing needed. Someone correct me if I am wrong but diatoms need light and silicates to proliforate. If you are using new rodi filters and you starve the diatoms of the light then you might be ok. Most of us have had some cycling horror stories but that is part of the process..consider this a jump start lol. If the lack of light doesn't do the trick, then sure, cook it. But know you will start a new cylcle no matter what.

 

[WoodRiverTroutBum]

I have no problem with the Diatoms being there as they aren't out of hand. From what I have read it is a sign that a new tank is going in the right direction. My main concern is any issues I may get with red algae from the rocks being in tap water. Thank you for the reply, I did cut back on my lights on time and my clean up crew is doing a good job. Might take a soft tooth brush to the one rock that has the most brown algae. Thanks.