Coralline Algae

[turbosek]

I have a 160 gal tank. It has been up and running since June of this year. I have 3 400W 20K bulbs and am running a calcium reactor (440 ppm Calc). I have 80 pounds of live rock from my old tank (fully cured) and 80 pounds of Dry Rock.

My question is how long should it take for the coralline to start spreading to the dry base rock? I have good water flow with 2 MP40s blowing across the live rock, but I still have no coralline spreading to the new rock, or the glass. I have no corals in the tank yet, and just an anemone right now. My lights run for 6 hours, on a staggered sunrise, sunset pattern.

Am I not running my lights enough? Or is the light too bright (3 400W 20K on a 24 deep tank)?

 

[redhanded77]

I really wish I could help you out with reasons. I would have thought you would have lots of coralline. My tank has been up for about 6 weeks and I already have coralline spots on my rocks. I started with 99% dead rock and only one small piece of live rock.

 

[Typlus5]

I see your Calcium is fine but what about all the other parameters? Magnesium is another to pay close attention too as well. When I notice coraline growth spurts I also detect a drop in those levels.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Calcium, alkalinity and magnesium need to be up in their optimum ranges for coraline to really take off. http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

 

[panhandler01]

+1 on SM's response. In my experience, if magnesium or alk gets low my coralline starts bleaching out. Get Calcium, Magnesium, and Alkalinity up to proper levels and I'll bet your coralline growth takes off.

 

[username in use]

It also seems to grow better in lower light spots. You have a fair amount of light pouring into that tank. Pick up a rock and check the underhangs and see if there is any growing in there.