Coraline Algae Q's

[triciod]

I have some live rock that i purchased with good amounts of coraline algae on it. Now my question is this, how long will it take to seed some of the other rock. The rock in there has some type of bright green algae on it right now. Also, the live rock with coraline on it, they have multiple different colored algae on it...are those cultures going to stick around?

 

[kmk2307]

If your phosphates are low, your calcium is around 400 or a little higher, and your alkalinity is good it should spread on its own. What kind of lighting do you have? Coralline only needs moderately strong lighting.

HTH,
Kevin

 

[Ryanqk]

question somewhat related, if you scrape it off the back glass and put it on some rocks will it still grow and attach? or is it pretty much done?

 

[triciod]

I currently have the standard nano-cube PC lighting (i forget what wattage...its early in the morning for me). As far as phosphates go, im using RO/DI water...so that shouldn't be a problem, right? Im dosing calcium using Reef Essentials every week or two. As far as alkalinity, i have yet to check that. I was kinda curious to find out about how long the coraline algae takes to grow, if anyone knows?

 

[Ryanqk]

It takes alot longer than green algaes to grow, but it depends on water chemistry along with the lighting. I know calcium plays a role, along with stuff like iodine and magnesium i believe.

 

[Nemo415]

Water Quality and time .

 

[kmk2307]

I use RO/DI and feed sparangly but I still have trouble with phosphates because I don't skim. In my experience (IME) people with lousy skimmers, low flow, or who feed heavily tend to have trouble with phosphates.

Kevin

 

[GobyJohnKenobi]

Watch the coralline algae that you currently have.

If it holds its color and spreads then that is a sign that the conditions in your tank are right for coralline algae to thrive.

If it starts to lose its color, then you will need to find out what is causing its decline.

Coralline likes:

SG around 1.025
temp below 83 F
total alkalinity 4 - 5 meq/l
Ca above 400
very low PO4
Actinic lighting

IME it started growing faster after I started feeding the tank.

Some Hermit crabs will eat it if they are hungry enough. I started feeding mine a few pellets of food to get them to leave the new growth alone.

It will take some time. Even under optimum conditions, at least a month or so. Hang in there and make sure you have enough snails to keep the hair algae in check until the coralline gets established.