getting coralline started

my 55 gallon reef is brand spankin new. i got 50 lbs of dry base rock comming that i will use to build up my reef. my lfs has vanuatu rock that is absolutley covered in purple coralline algae. even if my tank is new it is ok to introduce this algae into my tank right? i want to take a rasor blade and scrape it into my water and leave the rock in there to start coralline growth in my tank. i just really like coralline and dont want to wait a long time for it to come on its own.

 

yes you can go ahead and introduce it now. wont hurt anything or the coraline

 

ok i will introduce coralline asap. i use instant ocean mix and plan to do regular water changes to keep my water clean and replace minerals. regular water changes will provide coralline with the calcium/magnesium it needs correct?

 

Make sure your alk, cal, and mag are where they should be and it will come.

 

ive been using kalkwasser mix (calcium hydroxide)with my fill up water with good success.. Ive recently got pink coralline growth all over my glass! its a pain to scrap off.. so I leave it..

ps. it took me about 5-6 months for it to form in my tank.

 

A good way to get it going is to either place the rock infront of a powerhead return, or take a small scrub brush and lightly brush the coralline infront of a return- to get the spores moving around the tank.