Corraline Survey

[socalnano24]

One of my friends is doing a presentation on corraline algae at a local fish club. I told him I'd ask if anybody had any input on it on here....kind of like a survey
I was curious when people started to notice corraline on the backs of their tanks(or growth on rocks and glass)(from the time of setup), along with what your typical water parameters were(calcium specifically), and lighting, and if you added any supplements.
Mine was 5 weeks from setup, with PC lighting(2 36 watts in a 24 gallon tank); no supplements(until more recently). Water temp average 81 degrees. 8.2 Ph, my calcium has been around 460 ppm

 

[bang guy]

That sounds similar to my experience. I don't remember the exact timeframe but I do maintain ALK around 3.0Meq/L, Calcium around 420ppm, Salinity at 35ppt, and temp of 82F - 83F. I started my 155 bowfront tank with 6 X 6' VHOs.
Water circulation is also a big factor.
As an experiment I once avoided cleaning one side of the tank for 30 days.

 

[socalnano24]

Ok sweet, appreciate the input

 

[nycbob]

i got mine starting at the 4 month mark. after i added corals, the coraline algae scaled back a bit.

 

[socalnano24]

bump

 

[stanlalee]

mine always "takes off" around the 3month mark. I dont know what the alk would translate into meq but my parameters are always 8dKH, ca 420-440, mg anywhere from 1200-1600ppm. grows much better on the bottom (bare bottom) and shaded areas. My bottom looks like most peoples back wall and my back wall stays relatively coralline free with little effort. the top of my sump skimmer (very weak lighting, no macro just to see) is COVERED in coralline. liverock coverage is not impressive (on the 30g but every other tank including the newer biocube turned completely purple). have no clue why its so selective on this tank.

 

[bang guy]

8dKH = 2.5Meq/L