Hi wonderful experts! I have a mystery, and I'd love to know
if anyone has a thought on this.
<Let's see>
I have read here and elsewhere that calcium gluconate is a wonderful
coraline algae stimulant,
<Mmm, can be... depends on the make-up of the system, water... not a
"blank check" to boosting coraline, and does have its
limits>
so I bought a bottle from a well known, highly respected maker of reef
chemicals. I recently set up a smallish tank containing only star
polyps, Zoanthids, and a few mushrooms.
<These organisms are all strongly chemically allelopathogenic...
best for you to search, read re on WWM>
They are all thriving. But several weeks ago, when I
added a recommended does of calcium gluconate for the first
time,
<How was this added? Should only be done in a dissolved
state...>
all of the star polyps snapped shut and remained closed for the rest of
the day. A week later the same thing happened. Yesterday I
added the normal dose (my third time doing it, though now with some
hesitation!). Then I got stupid... my wife (her fault, of
course!) asked me a question, I answered it, and without thinking I
added a second spoonful to the tank, <As a solid;
mistake>
thus giving it a double dose. Well... the reaction was swift and
violent.
All star polyps snapped shut. But this time, EVERY Zoanthid
closed up also. A half hour later, every mushroom had cupped up
tight, showing only their undersides. Today, a day later,
everything is back to normal except for the star polyps, which are just
beginning to open. I'm strongly inclined to never use this
stuff again. Does anyone have a comment on this?
Thanks!
Tim
<Umm, irritating as added. Thoroughly dissolve before adding. Bob
Fenner>
Purple Up/Coraline Algae Growth 8/1/10
Hey guys,
<Ore>
I hope everything is going well. I have a110 gallon system set up with
some sps. My question is fairly simple. I dose C-balance in my tank and
my Ca level is about 480 and the Alkalinity is 11. Mg. about 1180. I
wanted to know if I can also use Purple Up in addition to the C-balance
for more coraline algae growth.
<Your Ca level is a little high right now and adding Purple Up will
just increase the Ca level as it does contain an ionic form of calcium
which immediately raises Ca levels.>
Thanks,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Ore
(Another) Coralline Algae Question/Growing Coralline
2/26/10
Dear Crew,
<Joe>
Thanks again for your passion, knowledge, and time! Without these,
there would be no WWW.
<You're welcome.>
This question has been asked countless times but I thought you might be
able to shed some light onto my specific situation. I cannot get
coralline algae to grow in my 54 gallon corner reef tank! Here are the
specs: SG 1.025, pH 8.3, temp 78 degrees F, Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0,
Nitrate 5, dKH 8, Calcium 400 (I have not purchased a magnesium test
kit yet). Tank has been up for about 2.5 years, the first two being a
FO system and since 1-1-10, has been transforming into a reef. Salt
used it Oceanic brand and the water is buffered RO. Lighting is
provided by a single 150W HQI 14,000K bulb as well as a 20W NO actinic
for an 11 hour photoperiod. I dose 2 Little Fishies brand 2 part
solution for calcium/Alk. Rock is composed of 20lbs dry base rock, 10
lbs honeycomb rock from another tank (decent coralline growth), and 10
lbs live Fiji rock. I have tried scraping coralline off of the
established rocks to help spread the algae (although no proof of this
having an effect as far as I know).
My corals look truly amazing and the tank is a true blessing. I would
just like to get some coralline on the rocks before nuisance algae has
a chance to. In my previous systems, I've always had wonderful
growth, sometimes without ever dosing calcium! Any help would be MUCH
appreciated.
<An abundance of hermit crabs and/or a sea urchin could be your
problem as they are known to eat coralline algae.
If this isn't the case, it may be the use of the liquid calcium
supplement.
I've always found that dosing granular type calcium or Kalkwasser
proves to be much better at increasing coralline growth than liquid
products. You may want to try a product by Sea Chem or Tropic Marin,
and I'm betting in a month's time you will see a
difference.>
Thank you so much!
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Joe
Coralline Algae'¦Differing Lighting Requirements?
-- 02/25/10
Hi Crew,
<<Hey Gary>>
It's been a couple of years since I've written, but continually
benefit from your site.
<<Happy to know>>
My problem is a lack of color on the rock in my display tank.
<<Oh?>>
Yet the rock in my sump is beautiful.
<<Ah>>
When I switch some of the rock between sump/display, the colorful rock
now in the display will lose its color within a couple of weeks, while
the rock in the sump will start showing signs of color. I am guessing
it to be a lighting issue.
<<Me too'¦ Though there may be other factors we
aren't aware of due to 'subtle' differences aside from
lighting, betwixt the 'fuge and the display>>
Display:
150 gal; (2) 400 watt MH burning 14K's 10 hrs/day (no other
lighting); approx 150 lbs LR; return from sump powered by a Dart;
closed-loop is powered by a Barracuda and (2) 1" Sea Swirls; quite
a variety of sps, frogspawn, xenia (weeds, but I like them),
<<Yeah'¦got my own hate-love relationship going with an
incidental introduction of orange Ricordea to my SPS dominated system
that are doing 'better than I want them to'>>
mushrooms, 1 small green carpet anemone, 1 BTA,
<<Mmm, dangerous just having a motile invert among other sessile
specimens...much less having two different species of motile invert in
the same system>>
1 ocellaris clown (sleeps in carpet, but daytime in BTA), 2 false
Perculas (no interest in either anemone), 1 bi-color angel, 1 lavender
tang, 1 Foxface, 1 sail fin tang. My system is about 2 1/2 yrs old.
Sump/fuge:
50 gal acrylic, divided into 3 sections. ASM G3 skimmer running 24/7;
middle section (fuge) is lit using a TCP 85W 5100K CF running 24/7. It
contains miracle mud, Chaeto, and LR; 3rd section is return to display.
I drip Kalk+2 with my RO/DI make-up water. Any thoughts or advice is
appreciated.
Gary
<<Well Gary my first impression is the difference in lighting as
you suspect, though there may be more to it. I have seen tanks with
high-wattage MH lighting and so much 'pink' Coralline that it
was growing in layers and 'plating' off the rock. My own metal
halide lighted system has an abundance of 'dark red'
coralline'¦yet my fluorescent lighted refugium displays a
'bright pink' Coralline alga. It may well be that the species
of coralline in your system has a preference for the 'less
intense' lighting of your refugium. But I also assume the
Kalk-laden make-up water is added through your sump/refugium and ponder
whether this burst of concentrated bio-mineral content to this area has
anything to do here. One solution to increase the coralline alga in
your display might be to find a brightly lit MH display with good
coralline growth and gather/scrape some of the alga to seed your
system. Do also pay close attention to Alkalinity, Calcium, AND
Magnesium and keep these at proper concentrations and balances. In my
own heavily stocked system I utilize both a Calcium and a Kalkwasser
reactor, but still find additional weekly supplementation of
Bicarbonate, Calcium, and Magnesium improves the growth of my
Acroporids and Coralline alga. Cheers'¦ EricR>>
Coralline Algae Issues And Substrate/corlinepropfaqs
12/4/09
Good day Bob and crew,
<And to you, Blesson>
As stated in a previous mail my 30 gallon long has been up and running
for about 3 months plus.
Specs are as follows:
20 kg.s of locally available live rock
15 kg.s of crushed coral gravel
Protein skimmer for that works really well
External Canister filter
Metal halide light of 150 watts and 10000k
Nitrates 5ppm
Nitrites 0ppm
Ammonia 0ppm
Phosphate 0ppm
Calcium 440ppm
Sp.gr maintained at 1.024
Temperature 77f
Alk levels normal
Trace elements dosed regularly.
All tank inhabitants except for an unknown sp of hermit crab and an
unknown snail have been shifted to a qt due to a crypt and Amyloodinium
outbreak mentioned in a previous mail and are being treated with CP.
Other inhabitants include a few fan worms, a Favites sp. coral, some
green zooanthids, and two Goniopora sp. I do not use carbon or any
phosphate removers. Should I ?
<I would incorporate a couple of units of Chemipure or a Poly Filter
into the canister filter.>
40 % water changed monthly using pre-conditioned water with Red Sea
brand mix. My main concern this email is the Coralline growth. The live
rock was full of purple, red and green Coralline growth. I' ve seen
no growth of Coralline algae on my tank walls except for the pesky
green algae which my Ecsenius bicolor takes care of. Even the growth on
the rock seems to be fading. Is it because of the MH?
<Likely the Kelvin temperature of the lamp. Coralline grows better
under bluer lighting. You may want to consider going to a 14K lamp or
add a actinic lamp to the system.>
Because it seems the Coralline exposed to light is the only one fading.
The ones in the shadows are not. I see occasional new growth on the
rock in the shadows itself in spots or blotch forms. I want a nice
growth on the glass walls. How do I achieve this?
<As above and do maintain calcium, magnesium, and dKH
levels.>
On asking my fellow reefer friend, he says he is facing the same
problem and suggested on using a product called Purple Up. Should
I?
<Don't waste your money. You may want to read FAQ's
here.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/corlinepropfaqs.htm>
I do not have access to the Reef Builder product mentioned in many
faqs.
But can try to get it, is it worth the effort?
<How are you maintaining dKH at present?>
Due to strict import regulations here in India, I do not have access to
Tonga or Florida live rock. What am I to do?
The second concern is my crushed coral gravel. Its consistency is
really thick. I have a two to three inch bed and the grain size is
pretty big.
Around half a centimeter to more. Mainly consists of shells and crushed
dead coral pieces. Is this ok or do I shift to fine sand?
<Crushed coral sand will aid in maintaining dKH levels and will be
much better than the mixture you have.>
Will changing the substrate to live sand cause a cycle?
<No, not in an aged system, and don't waste your money here
either, your substrate is "live", and any future substrates
will soon become live. Your live rock will handle the denitrification
of the system.>
Will I have to cure it as well ? If it does will the cycle be too great
for the inverts ?
Thank you for your valuable time and efforts.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Blesson
Re Coralline Algae Issues And Substrate/corlinepropfaqs
12/5/09
Hi Bob and crew,
<Hello Blesson>
A special thanks to you James (salty dog) for the quick reply and the
info.
<You're welcome.>
Sorry for not mentioning the dKH level . . . It is being maintained at
eight. That's good right or should I aim for something a little bit
higher?
<You're fine with that.>
The dKH is being maintained by dosing something called Aragamilk
<This product is designed for maintaining calcium levels.>
with immediate and time release buffer by CaribSea and Success Buff
supplement by Red Sea.
<Why are you using two buffering products?>
Plus is it noteworthy to mention that the water I use itself is pretty
hard to begin with . It's the only kind available here and is
available after undergoing treatment from a nearby water hardness
treatment plant. Guess they soften it a bit or something and make it
fit for human consumption.
And regarding the use of Polyfilter, so the Activated carbon is not
really necessary?
<I'd use one or the other.>
I dose Calcium and Trace elements regularly. Will that be enough for
the Magnesium levels or will I need to get a supplement for that as
well?
<You will need to supplement magnesium. Proper magnesium levels
allow all the calcium present in the water to be utilized by calcium
loving animals.>
And thanks a lot for the info on Purple Up and the Live sand, the nine
hundred odd bucks is simply too much for the product and would have had
to import the Live sand which costs a bomb if not for your info !
Regarding
the MH, I can stick with the existing bulb and just add on the actinic
right?
<Yes, but with your size tank, it may be more economical to just
replace the MH lamp, otherwise you will be using more electricity and
adding more heat to the system.>
So from what you say the coralline prefer a higher colour temp a.k.a
Kelvin rating?
<Yes, the growth rate is better than without.>
Thank you so much for the advice.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Blesson
Re Coralline Algae Issues And Substrate/corlinepropfaqs
12/6/09
Hi James a.k.a Salty Dog and a very good day to Bob and the rest of the
gang.
<Hello Blesson>
Well I dose the CaribSea product once a month. And use the RedSea
buffer when I am adding fresh water as top off. Is this alright?
<Yes, but why use two that do the same.>
The thing with the MH is that it is fixed to the hood and I am
regulating the heat with a fan.
<???>
And as you guessed the evaporation rate is pretty high Electricity is
not a problem as I stay in a dormitory in medical school. Getting MH
tubes and Actinics is a real headache where I live and it all needs to
be imported
and is a big drain on my pocket for someone who is not earning and
getting everything done from his pocket money. I have however ordered
for the Actinics and might upgrade the MH to 14000 k as well depending
on my
budget. Will a very blue tube light serve the same purpose of the
Actinics for Coralline propagation?
<If it is an actinic lamp.>
I read in the faqs that its purely for aesthetics.
<Maybe confused with moon lights?>
Will try and get the Magnesium too. Any advice on how much to add for
my tank capacity?
<Follow directions on can for starters and monitor with a test
kit.
Magnesium levels should be in the 1280-1300ppm range.>
And regarding the change of substrate from what I have now to crushed
Coral sand, should I leave a little bit so that it seeds the new sand
and makes it live or do I completely remove it?
<I'd remove portions when doing water changes. Is best to do
with a siphon hose if the substrate size isn't too large. so as not
to pass through. This way you will be cleaning out plenty of detritus
also.>
Thanks again for the replies my friend.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Blesson
Re Coralline Algae Issues And Substrate/corlinepropfaqs
12/6/09
Hi James,
<Hello Blesson>
Sorry, kinda misinterpreted the previous mail. Somehow very weirdly got
the idea you wanted me to get rid of the MH. So by just changing the
bulb from the present one to the 14000 k, I can eliminate the need for
the Actinic?
<Yes.>
Plus the reefer friend I mentioned in a previous mail sorta mentioned
something bout the live rock. Seems almost everybody using it has been
having the problem. Maybe its collected from deep water, hence its
tendency
for Coralline growth in the dimly lit areas. I may be wrong though. Any
ways thanks again.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Blesson
Re Coralline Algae Issues And Substrate/corlinepropfaqs
12/7/09
Good day James,
<Blesson>
Thanks for making me realise how dumb I have been by adding buffering
solutions twice!
<Reading would have prevented this.>
The crushed coral is kinda really big in terms of particle size.
Actually more like they 're chunks not grains! Average grain
size would be around one to half a centimeter! No way can I siphon it
without getting the particles caught in the siphon tube. And guess I
will change to the fine sand as you said.
<Did not tell you to change, but said "Crushed coral sand will
aid in maintaining dKH levels and will be much better than the mixture
you have.">
One portion at a time. And will the 14000k MH bulb produce enough in
the blue spectrum for the coralline and white for the coral?
<Yes, and keep in mind that photosynthetic efficiency peaks at
around 430 nanometers which is very close to the major spectral output
of a standard 'actinic' bulb. This wavelength is always present
in lamps designed for reefkeeping. The lower Kelvin temperature
(6500-10000) lamps do not appear blue because the intensity of the
other colors in the spectrum is much higher. As we go up in Kelvin
temperature, the proportion of blue gets higher while the reds,
yellows, etc. are proportionately lowered. The light loving
invertebrates we generally keep seem to do better with Kelvin
temperatures between 6500-14000. The Ushio link provided here will show
spectral graphs of what I am saying.
http://www.ushio.com/products/petcare/aqualite.htm >
Or I could manage to get hold of a 20000k bulb if it helps.
<I would not, 14K would be a good lamp for your needs, 20K lamps are
more suited for deeper water light loving invertebrates. Clams
especially, will not do well under this lighting.>
And yes I will get the magnesium solution too. Didn't know it could
play such a vital role in the prop of Coralline.
<In most calcium loving invertebrates. Magnesium is one of the major
elements of sea water.>
I didn't even know there is a test kit for measuring it either!
<Oh yes, several kits are available.>
Just shows how less I know in this hobby.
<That is why more reading and less writing is necessary.>
And regarding the mention of Actinics to grow coralline and other than
that just for aesthetic purpose, think I read it in the Actinic lamp
faqs section.
And nope not confusing it with the Lunar or L.E.D.s. The tube I spoke
about is essentially a normal 20 watt fluorescent tube 2 ft long. Think
it's coated blue or something. Read the cover and stuff but nothing
mentioned about the wave length or it being an actinic.
<The term "actinic" was a poor choice to label these
lamps. Photographers used this term in that lamps that were darkroom
safe were commonly called actinic lamps because their spectral output
had no detrimental effect on photo paper, it allowed them to see what
they were doing in the darkroom without ruining photo papers.>
Thanks again James. Read the crew member faqs, you guys have got a
great thing going on. A real wonderful service rendered to this hobby.
Thanks again.
<You're welcome, and less writing, more reading. You will find
most of your questions answered by Googling our site. James (Salty
Dog)>
Blesson
Re Coralline Algae Issues And Substrate/corlinepropfaqs
12/7/09
Hi James,
<Hello Blesson>
Found the faq I was citing. Its called actinic vs blue pc lighting.
Replied by wetwebber ScottV I think . . . Pls do clarify . . .
<If you are referring to "The actinic and blue bulb mentioned
will do little or nothing towards sustaining photosynthetic
organisms", then I personally do not agree with this, as this
spectrum/wavelength is present in all lamps designed for reef systems.
We just do not see it in lower Kelvin temperature lamps because the
other colors of the spectrum are much higher in intensity and tend to
mask the blue. I'm thinking Scott V. may be alluding to using just
this type of lamp. James (Salty Dog)>
Re Coralline Algae Issues And Substrate/corlinepropfaqs
12/7/09
Hello James,
<Blesson>
Yup I understand. Will definitely read more instead of sending so many
mails.
<Yes, and will provide more detail than I have the time for.>
Thanks a lot for all the help.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Blesson.
Growing Coralline Algae 5/18/09
Hello, I have a few question about how to growth coralline algae, since
I always fail to growth or even maintenance the existence of coralline
algae in my LR :
1. Do I need a metal halide and chiller to grow coralline algae?
<No.>
My tank 1,5 meter x 0,5 meter x 0,6 meter. Is it enough to growth
coralline with 1 actinic and 1 daylight each 40 watt TL?
<Should be enough of the correct light, providing the lamps are not
over eight months old.>
I don't intend to keep coral and invertebrate.
2. Because I live <love> angelfish and other big fish like
wrasses, and I believe this fish give high high protein waste and then
a result in high nitrate and also phosphate I believe.
<Yes.>
So base in this situation, will I success in growing coralline
algae?
<Likely not, unless a protein skimmer is used. Coralline algae does
not fair too well with excessive nutrients in the water.>
3. Except to add calcium hydroxide (is it the same with Kalkwasser?),
is there any other supplement to growth coralline algae?
<Maintaining a calcium level of 350-400 is all that is needed in
regard to supplements. Do read here.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/corallinealg.htm>
Thank you very much.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Regards,
Hengky
Re Growing Coralline Algae 5/20/09
Hi, just read about the useful of Calcium gluconate in WetWebMedia. It
was said that if aquarist just want to growth coralline algae to cover
all of his/her tank, this chemical is more than enough, because I only
interest in growing coralline algae and not keep other coral. Is that
correct?
<Yes, sugar-based calcium is an essentially safe source of calcium,
but has not clearly demonstrated its effectiveness for coral growth. It
has, however, been shown to greatly accelerate the growth of desirable
coralline algae species.>
Is there any disadvantage of using and injecting this calcium gluconate
in long term, just like if I inject CaCl2 in long term, then it will
accumulates ion chloride.
<Should be no problems as to chloride ion accumulation.>
Thank you very much.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Re: Growing Coralline Algae 5/26/09
Dear WWM,
<Hello Hengky>
I've read that Alk will depleted in the process of calcification of
the coral/coralline. Then why in organic calcium we do not need to add
sodium bicarbonate to maintenance the Alk? As we do in balance two part
dosage. I've been told also by my friend and from some reefer
that organic calcium method is an old method and seem to be not good
again or maybe no one are implemented again since there is new method
like balance two part, Kalkwasser or calcium reactor nowadays. Anybody
can give a good explanation will be appreciate, although I will be very
happy if A.Calfo himself want to give a better explanation about this
issue.
<Anthony is no longer with us, but it would be best for you to read
this article written by A. Calfo.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/calcalkmar.htm>
Thank you very much.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Regards,
Hengky
Promoting Green Coralline Algae Growth --
04/01/09
Greetings!
<<Howdy David!>>
I have not seen any articles that describe how one might promote green
coralline algae growth, rather than the purple stuff, in their
saltwater tank.
<<Mmm, yes'¦I don't think anything we have/I have
ever seen goes beyond the Family (Corallinacae) to describing how to
culture a specific genus or species>>
Is there knowledge available on your site that covers this, and somehow
I have missed it?
<<I don't think so'¦I believe what information is
available is pretty generic to this Family of alga>>
Or am I on my own here in seemingly purple, uncharted waters?
<<Would seem so>>
I want green coralline in my tank, not purple!
<<You do raise some interesting questions. To culture a
'specific' Coralline algae I would think you would first, need
to obtain samples of such and second, know what part of the reef
niche/under what conditions (lighting, water flow, etc.) it was
found'¦and then attempt to replicate those conditions in your
tank. It may simply be a matter of collection or abundance, but it
seems our captive systems are more suited to the red and purple
Corallines, for sure>>
Thanks for your time!
David Wieberg
Ft. Worth, TX
<<Happy to share'¦ Eric Russell'¦Columbia,
SC>>
Re: Promoting Green Coralline Algae Growth -
04/01/09
Thank you for your help, Eric!
<<Quite welcome David (such as it was [grin])>>
I have heard (we have all heard so many different things) that purple
coralline algae is not normally found in a shallow water reef, but that
green is.
<<Is a possibility'¦ It would make sense that differing
genera/species might have differing needs for optimal
growth>>
If that is true, then I would assume more light would contribute to the
promotion of green algae over the purple.
<<Maybe so'¦ In my experience, many intensely lit tanks
seem to have better Coralline growth in those areas not receiving
'direct' light. And while even in my own tank; which has metal
halide lighting, the dorsal side of the rock grows less purple
Coralline and does show some 'hints' of green'¦but
there is no encrustation like that of the purple Corallines>>
One person I spoke with that said they have dived on reefs told me
this, and said purple coralline was found in deeper water. This person
said purple coralline in the aquarium was a product of not providing
adequate lighting.
<<For the green Coralline? Maybe so'¦it is a fact we
can't (or at least it is not practical to) provide the same
lighting intensity in our tanks as that experienced on the natural
reef>>
But I can't verify this information.
<<Likely it is all anecdotal at best>>
Surely someone has a start on this line of study, as to whether it
takes more light or less, more water flow or less, more calcium or
less, etc,.
<<Mmm'¦maybe in the scientific circles (you might try
accessing a college library for such), but in the hobby
circles'¦probably not so much. Most folks seem quite happy to
grow the purple/red Corallines>>
I would have thought Mr. Fenner as good a source as any because of his
study and experience!
<<No doubt; and he may well have some input re. If so, I'll
ask him to add it here'¦>>
Any clues as to how to find out about this would be much
appreciated!
<<As stated, perhaps a bit of searching at a college
library>>
Thanks again!
David Wieberg
Ft. Worth, TX
<<Happy to share'¦ EricR>>
Coralline Algae Propagation 5/23/06 To whom
it may concern: <Crew is good enough.> I believe that I am having
trouble with the live rock in my 37G (high) tank. I started
this tank about 9 months ago, and began with 35 lbs. of Fiji live rock
and live sand. The rock had a nice, white crust over most of
it, along with beautiful light purple hues. I then added
about 40 tiny crabs, and two sally lightfoot crabs, along with a
feather duster. The sally Lightfoots died months ago,
and I recently added a yellow tang, which is currently the only fish in
the tank. I'm writing because yesterday I went
into a local fish store, and their reef tank had live rock completely
covered in beautiful crimson red coral. My rock looks
completely stripped and barren. I'm not sure if my
janitorial creatures are "overdoing" it. I just
started adding 10 cc of calcium and 10 cc of alkalinity solution per
day. Is there anything else that I can do in order to
encourage beautiful looking coralline algae for my reef? <Yes, there
is. Read here and linked files above. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/corallinealg.htm Many
thanks, <You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)> Chris
Re: Coralline Algae Propagation 5/23/06 James (and
crew): <Chris> I appreciate the quick reply, however, I have one
follow-up question for you. The live-rock was added in
August of 2005, and has subsequently been stripped of all the thick
crusted coralline growth by my janitorial creatures. If I
simply follow your instructions, approximately how long will it take
for me to experience full growth? <If you maintain
calcium and alkalinity along with pH, you should start noticing some
growth in three to four weeks.> Also, have I seriously
hurt my tank by letting the rock get so stripped and barren for so long
without any alkalinity or calcium
supplementation? <Don't think so. If you
performed water changes at least twice a month there would be enough
supplements to take care of animals requiring it, but growth would be
slow with calcium loving animals.> I guess that's two follow-up
questions, actually. Thanks again, <You're
welcome. James (Salty Dog)> Chris
-Weeds!!!- Hello there, I am running a 450 litre reef tank with
about 60 kilos of live rock, no sand (to speak of), skimmer, controlled
injection of ozone and a wet/dry with bio-balls. 2 x 150 MH on for 10
hours a day. pH range between 8.0 and 8.2 (v stable), ammonia, nitrate
and nitrite nil, winter temperature range between 26.5 and 27.5 c.
<Sounds good> Fish inhabitants are Flame Angel, Mandarin, Yellow
Coris (canary), small Kole and Purple tang, pair of Percula clowns,
purple Blenny. Invertebrates are boxer shrimp, hammer LPS, mushroom
LPS, Elegance LPS, a Duncanopsamia axifungia, one large Sarcophyton,
one Lobophyton, 6" maxima clam. I feed all corals that will take
it and fish well but carefully. This setup is 16 months old
and still maturing. Current phase is experiencing quite
heavy growth of Caulerpa Bryopsis which keeps getting a dusting of rust
coloured "stuff" which makes it look quite
scummy. <Ew> I have two questions, 1./ Why
has the Bryopsis, which seems to be reducing in overall volume, started
to be covered in the rust coloured stuff (probably algae) <Sometimes
it can get covered in competing algae, there's likely some sort of
nutrient problem going on.> and 2./ How do I encourage coralline to
start to dominate and get rid of this stuff. <Best way to get
coralline to go is to make sure that you have introduced plenty of
different species and to keep your calcium and carbonate hardness
levels high. As for the algae problem, check out http://www.wetwebmedia.com/algaeconMar.htm
and run a phosphate test. Good luck! -Kevin> I an getting really
sick of weeding every second week! Thanks and regards, Michael
Cultivating Coralline Algae... Quick question. I have
upgraded lighting and everything. <Excellent! Mo' money, mo'
money! LOL> I am trying to see if I can get coralline algae to grow
as it does in most pictures I see everyday on the net. Along with the
light upgrade I also us some to part solution from two little fishies
it is called C Balance and it is used as directed but still not much of
a coralline increase. The lights consist of two T12 Coralife 40 watt
antic 03 bulbs and two 96 watt 50/50 smart bulbs. Is it the power
compacts that are killing the coralline algae? <Nah...Highly
doubtful> I am having a almost perfect outcome for my fish and
corals but not coralline algae. I even have amphipods growing and
everything but no coralline algae. <Give it time. Coralline species
require calcium, magnesium, and stable water chemistry...If you are
maintaining good water conditions, you'll see it soon enough. There
are corallines that adapt to a variety of current/light conditions, so
be patient. If you are dead set on jump-starting coralline growth, you
could use a calcium gluconate supplement, like Sea Chem's
"Reef Calcium", which can really grow coralline like crazy,
provided the other conditions are acceptable to it's growth. Keep
in mind that overall husbandry needs to be excellent when using this
"sugar-based" calcium, or it can help contribute to nuisance
algae blooms as well...> I have a plate coral (had for seven months)
and a goniopora(5 months) and a frogspawn (two weeks) are they taking
to much calcium or is it the lights it is a 55 gallon and other than
the corals I have a 2 inch tomato clown and a coral beauty. Please give
me some help with this I am at a lost And thanks for the helpful years
of WetWebMedia it is a great place and source of information for the
rookie aquarist. <I'm glad that you enjoy the site! We love
bringing it to you every day! Check out this link for more on
corallines: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/corallinealg.htm
Good luck! Regards, Scott F>
Coralline Algae Growth I think I am having problems with
purple coralline growth. I have a 72gallon tank with 90lbs of liverock.
440 watts of PC lights. It has been up about 6 months. I have a about
30 propagated coral plugs from GARF, about 40 snails, 10 hermits, 2
cleaner shrimp and 2 serpent stars. I have a yellow tang, Hippo Tang
and Tomatoe Clown. I Have been following GARF'S Bullet proof recipe
( Seachem Reef Plus, Reef Complete- Reef Builder and Reef Advantage
Calcium). <All good products> I also have been adding Marks Weiss
Coral Vital once a day (My LFS- Hidden Reef in Philly really believes
this promotes coralline growth). <My mother always told me that
"If you don't have something nice to say, don't say
it..."- so I will refrain from comment on this product :)> My
problem is the purple coralline algae seems to come on strong for a
month or two and then seems to shrink in the areas it was growing looks
as it gives the appearance almost slowly pealing . It still there but
it doesn't seem to spread. The next month it seems to dissipate
somewhat. Any Idea why seems this way? I wasn't sure if something
is eating it. My liverock has quite a bit of red coralline algae on it
and the red doesn't seem to disappear and re-appear like the
purple. Over the last 3 month my liverock and become predominately
greenish tone/algae in the areas where there is no purple or red? What
Can I do maintain the purple coralline growth that I am not already
doing. Thanks in advance - Ron < I think that you are doing fine
with your current methods (well-except for one product, IMHO). Note
that there are different colors of coralline algae; there is nothing
wrong with pink or green coralline! Keep in mind that concentrations of
various nutrients are depleted as the algae grows, so be consistent
with your additives, do regular water changes, monitor calcium levels,
possibly magnesium. Research calcium reactors and the natural
requirements of coralline algae with the resources on wetwebmedia.com.
You're doing fine! Scott F.>
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