Corraline algea problems

[dean87jones]

I had a growth of corraline algea about 6 months ago... but since then most of it has bleached out... Any idea as to what would cause this??

nitrate - 80
calcium - 420
ph - 8.0
dkh - 4.5
mag - 1100
phos - almost 0

Im aware dkh should be at 8 so ive added a part 1 and part 2 alkalinity/ calcium booster
But any ideas as to why im not growing corraline?

 

[b0bab0ey]

Probably the low alk (dkh). Coralline needs (and consumes) both alk and cal to spread and grow. I'd also bump your mag up to around 1350 while you're at it. Do you have any corals? That high nitrate isn't doing them any good, although I'm not sure if it's a problem for the coralline algae.

 

[jlong11]

the mag is a little low it actually stabalizes the calcium and alk it should be around 1250 1300 i believe coraline algea needs calcium and carbonate/bicarbonate since it is easier to messure the alk thats a huge reason why it is bleaching it is only getting half of its normal diet

 

[jlong11]

the high nitrate would not affect or stop the coraline from growing but with that much nutrients it would have alot of competition for the food source ie other photosythetic algeas would take hold of rocks and glass surfaces and make it hard for the coraline to take charge

 

[karp12]

Was it exposed to air at all? Maybe while doing a water change?

 

[Fish4Me2]

What lighting do you have? I have much darker coraline in the dimmer spots in my tank.

 

[Lytehouse]

Being exposed to air during water change won't kill coraline or I wouldn't have any in my frag tank. It covers the entire back wall.

The info you are getting on raising and stabilizing alk/calc/mag is where the problem exists.

Any idea what is pushing your nitrates. As said, if you have corals, that will cause them a problem.

best of luck

 

[TellyFish]

Was it exposed to air at all? Maybe while doing a water change?

Just to clarify, while coraline can dry out from air exposure and die-off, its not like a sponge where you cant remove the rock from the tank briefly. For instance, its fine to move a rock from one tank to another without die-off.

 

[manhorsedog]

do you have little white starfish? those things love that stuff.

 

[karp12]

Just to clarify, while coraline can dry out from air exposure and die-off, its not like a sponge where you cant remove the rock from the tank briefly. For instance, its fine to move a rock from one tank to another without die-off.

I was thinking more on lines of a stress factors: Lighting, Water Temp, Water Chem..... anything that can cause stress can cause problems including air. Would like to see a pic if possible.