Coraline Algae

[Mml]

It is my understanding that in order to get coraline algae you need to introduce it into your tank. I am looking for a way to get some shavings or a rock or other source to get it started in my tank. Does anyone have some they would be willing to share or sell? I am in Wyoming so the FoCo area would be great if at all possible. Loveland and Greeley are also close.

Thanks

 

[mathewkofalk]

I got some rubble that has some but why don't you have any now? I've never put it in my tank specifically. It should be on your rock or even frag plugs. I'm in Greeley by the way.

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[FinsUp]

I got some rubble that has some but why don't you have any now? I've never put it in my tank specifically. It should be on your rock or even frag plugs. I'm in Greeley by the way.

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If you start with new sand and bleached/dried rock, your tank wouldn't have it.

DocD- I'm sure if you went into the nearest LFS and asked them for a bit of it, they could scrape some off the glass of just about any tank they have, or they might have a small piece of rubble that's covered in it. If your calcium levels are healthy, it'll thrive and grow quickly. You may want to hold off on introducing an urchin until your coralline is going great gonzos, because it's what they eat.

 

[jda123]

Snail and crab shells have it too.

 

[jmadd]

Snail and crab shells have it too.

+1

Get a few scarlet hermits. They always have a variety of calcarious algae growing on them.

 

[sethsolomon]

purple up/purple tech has coralline algae spores in it.

 

[djkms]

purple up/purple tech has coralline algae spores in it.

Source of this info? First I have heard this. From my understanding its nothing more than calcium and fine aragonite (sand).

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[djkms]

Chances are you already have Coralline algae in your system. Either through your live rock, a snail, a frag plug, etc.

How old is your system?

Coralline can take 6 months to a year to get a hold in your tank. It is typically the last algae to grow during your tank cycle. It is thought that the best parameters for Coralline to grow is low PO4, and ionically balanced parameters.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-04/rhf/feature/
It is also shown that Coralline grows best under bluer light.. It does grow under strong, white light, albeit slower.

Hobbyist and chemist views on Coralline supplements:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1407489

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1285348

http://s.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2112540

 

[MartinsReef]

Not true. Good lighting and correct Ca and Kh levels and it will grow.

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[aztecdreams]

Coralline is almost nonexistent on my rock but boy does it take off on the viewing panes

 

[jda123]

Get your mag up to 1350-1400 if it is not already. It helps, IMO.

 

[FinsUp]

Get your mag up to 1350-1400 if it is not already. It helps, IMO.

IME, there's a direct correlation between mag and calc. If your mag is too low, you can dump calc into your tank all day long and it won't do any good. If mag is where it needs to be, dosing calc is much more effective.

 

[mathewkofalk]

IME, there's a direct correlation between mag and calc. If your mag is too low, you can dump calc into your tank all day long and it won't do any good. If mag is where it needs to be, dosing calc is much more effective.

Plus 1

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[jda123]

This is science. RHF has written dozens of articles on this. It is not only absorption into the solution, but also in absorption of the algae/corals/snails/etc. While Mag of 1200 might aid calcification, IMO, higher levels (but still safe) will help with the coralline growth.