Coralline algae

[fishphreak]

Is it possible to buy coralline algae? Or is there any way to get it to grow in my tank? Specifically maroon and purple coralline.

 

[cprdnick]

Yeah, buy some LR with that specific coraline already growing on it. Of course the growth would depend on lighting and Ca levels.

 

[druluv]

First make sure your water parms are correct to grow this type of algae.
Recipe:
High CA 400 - 450
High alk 4-6 meq
Low PO4 - > 0.02
Then it should start growing with the introduction of Live rock, sand or snail shells(Big Mex Turbo).

 

[fishphreak]

I have 110w 10k pc lighting would that work?
Getting the snails wouldn't be a problem.
Thanks for all your help

 

[druluv]

I prefer to use actinics. When you are cycling your tank you can leave your actinics for 12-14 hrs. garf.org even leaves her actinics on for 24 hrs for about two weeks. Choice is yours. But I do believe that the std flo actinics could be better that pc actinics. I'm not sure, the room can better explain the good parts of PC lights.

 

[trigger digger]

My understanding is Coraline grows much better in medium lighting levels.

 

[nas19320]

Start with a good source of coraline, then apply good flow and good Alk levels as coraline is moslty carbonate based along with low-no phosphates and nitrates and soon you will have coraline growing faster than you want. Your lighting will be fine.

 

[nicky1.8t]

im running 380 watts of vho 4 95 watt bulbs 2 10k 2 actink. and my calcium is in the 400s and i have lots of coraline groth. but it seems that the longer tank is up the easier it is to grow coraline algea

 

[fishphreak]

Thanks I will try that. I also have an actinic bulb that i can use in place of one of the 10k bulbs if necessary. I have a good bit more coraline algae than I thought I had. I have an out break of cyno right now so it was hard to see but there is a good bit more than I orgionally thought there was.
Thanks