Resolved What are these purple/red things coming out of my rock?

Hi, I just started cycling my water about 2 weeks ago. I got the live rock from a friend who had the rocks out of the water for a few days. I rinsed them out before I but them in the water and bought a few additional live rock to start the cycling process. Now I see these red/purple things sprouting from my rock. Anyone know if these are good or bad? This is my first saltwater tank so I am new at this. Thanks in advance.

 

Not seeing anything out of the ordinary in that picture. Looks like normal rock to me.
thoe purple spots look to be some coralline algae growth.

 

Yea those spots are what I'm concerned about. I was not sure if it was good or bad. There are only a few areas with those things sprouting out. They look hard like coral and are coming out of one rock in particular but I see them in other areas too.

 

Yup

http://www.3reef.com/forums/641745-post51.html
Foraminiferans by Ronald L. Shimek, Ph.D. - Reefkeeping.com

 

Thanks for the links. Sounds like that is what it is. Is it good or bad? The article said something about it helping to clean the water, is that true?

 

Here is a nice link about Foraminiferans. They are harmless.

Foraminiferans by Ronald L. Shimek, Ph.D. - Reefkeeping.com

Indo Pacific Hitch Hikers

 

there good for the tank it will eventually cover all your rocks if you take good care of the tank.dont worry its a good thing wont harm or affect corals

 

They're harmless. Since they filter feed, they can help clean a tank but not enough to make that huge of a difference IMO.