coraline algae and "cured" rock

[kevin]

A local dealer has some live rock with beautiful coraline growing on it. He said that after it cures and is ready for sale all the coraline will be gone. Is this right? I kinda was under the impression that you could keep the colored algae alive. I am in the process of planning a reef tank so I do not have any live rock now,just 2 tanks with fish and a few inverts. Thanks for any info.

 

[kris]

Some of it will die off, yes. But there should still be some (look for rock that has it) and there are additives you can use in your tank to help it regrow.

 

[chuck]

With proper lighting and water quality the corraline will grow real fast. Even if you don't see any left on the rock it's there.