Too much coralline

Hi All -

I'm sure you share my pain. Coralline is growing out of control in my tank. i.e. all over the back wall and power heads.

I read that soaking the power heads in vinegar gets rid of it. But is there any way to slow its growth at least?

My tank is a little over 1 year old - just checked my parameters and everything seems normal.

pH = 8.0
Phos = 0
Ammonia = 0
Nitrates/nitrites = 0
Temp 78 F

Also I keep my lights on for 12 hours a day

Thoughts?

Thanks

 

as its a FOWLR - Do you measure your calcium and magnesium levels
as these elements are utilised by coralline for growth

in addition what SG are you maintaining? because both the above levels can be kept in check by running a slightly lower SG and not using a reef type salt mix

many FOWLR systems are run at 1.022 or even 1.021 SG rather than the 1.025 ,1.026 that are favoured in reef set ups

so IMO restricting the amount of calcium and mag, coupled with using a standard/ basic salt mix (not calc and mag enriched) will at least slow down the growth rates

but once its in, its in , by allowing the calc and mag to drop to low, you run the risk of all your purple and red, becoming white dead coralline

Steve

 

GET AND URCHIN they'll eat that stuff up, and if you have tons u will probably end up with a managable a mount and a happy urchin.

 

Ok Thanks Steve +1

My SG is running at about 1.026 - so I'll try and get that down

And I"ll keep an eye on the Mg and Calcium to make sure they are at reasonable levels

I'll look into getting and urchin - will all of them eat coraline?

Thanks for your help

 

Urchins will munch on coralline, but will not eradicate it by any means. Coralline is generally an indicator of a healthy tank, so good for you. If your concern is for your pumps, yes – soak them as you indicated. But if it’s the appearance on the glass, the only thing that will make you a happy camper is to get in there and scrape it off.

Once you have it off simply clean the glass as you do the front and you will be in good shape.

 

On a side note - Does coralline grow on anyone elses sand around the rocks?

 

Yes, Coralline will grow on your sand.

 

Thanks Crimson - I guess I know what I'll be doing for the rest of my day off

But this conversation has also inspired me to re-arrange my rock. Right now I have an island setup of about 50 lbs of live rock. I'm going to convert it to a "back wall" (after scraping of course). This would A.) Hide the coraline when it grows back and B.) give my livestock more room to swim in front of the rock

Thanks!
+1

 

I to am not a fan of the coraline growth on my glass i am all for covered rocks but what are you to do but scrape scrape and scrape some more.

 

+2 I have two in my tank to keep mine under control.