coraline algea

[mary]

Can someone explain why high phosphates can retard coraline algea growth? Or is this a false rumor?

 

[reefnut]

No rumor... PO4s inhibit calcification. This not only applies to coralline algae, any calcifying corals will also be effected.

 

[bot587]

phosphates retard calcification, also phosphates feed diatom algae. this gives rise to diatom algae smothering your coral (happened to my white start polyps a LONG time ago.

 

[mary]

Will search internet for articles on that. Thank you for your input. Phosphates have never bothered my corals unless brains and doughnut{red} haven't been in long enough. The Maze brain I have had over a month{gift} and the doughnut is thriving, four months at least. The sun coral is growing very rapidly had to move it to a larger space. Shouldn't my gorgonian be affected also. That is about 6 years in the tank. Interesting subject.