Coraline Algae

Discussion in 'Algae' started by RickGrimes, Nov 10, 2009.

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  1. RickGrimes

    RickGrimes Spaghetti Worm

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    Oct 5, 2009
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    Whats the best way/tips to get your tank covered with that beautiful Coraline?
     
    RickGrimes, Nov 10, 2009
    RickGrimes, Nov 10, 2009
    #1

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  2. DaDaAtlanta

    DaDaAtlanta Feather Star

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    Atlanta/Chicago
    Lighting, Water Quality, Proper parameters, Spores and Patience
     
    DaDaAtlanta, Nov 10, 2009
    DaDaAtlanta, Nov 10, 2009
    #2
  3. Peredhil

    Peredhil Giant Squid

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    if you want to do this right, don't jump on any silly additive bandwagon.

    Seed your tank with some coralline scrapings from another tank if you have 0 coralline now.

    then (and this is the key) keep your Ca and Mg in stable and proper reef ranges... then wait. patience is the other key.


    in about 6 months - 1 year you should be at a point where you curse the day this crap got in your tank.

    My tank is covered and I hate it.
     
    Peredhil, Nov 10, 2009
    Peredhil, Nov 10, 2009
    #3
  4. yamaharider73

    yamaharider73 Kole Tang

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    I saw your tank and it looks good. It can be a pain though when it clogs power heads though. Razor blades and vinager will work wonders LOL
     
    Last edited: Nov 11, 2009
    yamaharider73, Nov 10, 2009
    yamaharider73, Nov 10, 2009
    #4
    1 person likes this.
  5. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

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    My tank has been up and running for about 3 months, and about 2 months ago I added two pieces of live rock that were covered in coralline algae. I did nothing extra to help it spread, and it started spreading on its own a couple weeks ago...and it's really pickin' up speed now! So it didn't take long at all.

    So, I guess what I'm saying is that if your water and lighting is good, the coralline will spread on its own. And then you'll be cursing it every time you are trying to scrape it off with a blade! :)
     
    kcbrad, Nov 10, 2009
    kcbrad, Nov 10, 2009
    #5
  6. Robman

    Robman Great White Shark

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    +1 On this post!!!!
     
    Robman, Nov 10, 2009
    Robman, Nov 10, 2009
    #6

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  7. johnmaloney

    johnmaloney 3reef Sponsor

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    covered is an understatement!
     
    johnmaloney, Nov 11, 2009
    johnmaloney, Nov 11, 2009
    #7
    1 person likes this.
  8. Claic Yuzolt

    Claic Yuzolt Bubble Tip Anemone

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    Does the algae start white then change colors when it grows?
     
    Claic Yuzolt, Nov 14, 2009
    Claic Yuzolt, Nov 14, 2009
    #8
  9. pgreef

    pgreef Fire Goby

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    White = dead.

    Start with some live rock with good coraline growth.
    Make sure your calcium, alkalinity and magnesium levels are good.
    Provide lighting heavy on the actinics and not super intense. I got more coraline with my dimmer PCs than I do with my T5s
    Stir
    Bake at 80 deg F for one month
    Should start to see little pink spots appear on plastic first.
     
    pgreef, Nov 14, 2009
    pgreef, Nov 14, 2009
    #9
  10. Siddique

    Siddique Dragon Wrasse

    Joined:
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    I don't know if it's a gimmick but I know that there are additives that are supposed to boost coraline growth. Carib sea-Purple up and Kent marine-Purple tech
     
    Siddique, Nov 14, 2009
    Siddique, Nov 14, 2009
    #10
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