Coralline Growth

BrianH · 05-10-2002, 10:13 PM

I am new to this hobby and am starting for a second time on my 40 gal acrylic tank. I originally set up the tank and exercised very little patience. As a result, I lost several fish and corals. I have completely broken the tank down, cleaned it, and started over. After about a month, it is doing great. I would like to know if there is any way to stimulate coralline algae growth. Here is my setup.

40 gal. acrylic
60 lbs live rock
Crushed Coral substrate
Tropic Marin salt
Jbj Compact Flo. w/ 4 36 watt bulbs (2 actinic, 2 full spectrum)
2 Rio 800 powerheads
Prizm hang on tank protein skimmer
Fluval 203 filter (nothing inside...for circulation only)

2 percula clowns
1 small yellow tang
sandsifter goby
sally lightfoot crab
20 hermit crabs

After killing most of my small corals, I am interested in doing this the right way now. I am adding B-Ionic 2 part calcium, black powder reef supplement, and iodine and stromtium to bring all my levels up to par. Is there anything else I can do to make coralline algae grow faster. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks

Jimbo · 05-10-2002, 11:55 PM

Sound like everything is ok, your tank is only a month old so give it time, keep your calcium levels at about 400 and in another month you should start seeing it. Actinics on a photoperiod several hours before and after the main lights will help. My tank is only 3 months old and am just starting to see coraline alge.

Hope this helps!

BrianH · 05-11-2002, 03:01 AM

Thanks for the advice. I did have a decent amount growing but a lot of it died off. It seems to be doing great now that I have restarted the tank but I figured it never hurts to ask. I'm trying to learn as much as possible.

Stang69 · 05-11-2002, 03:04 AM

You can also scrape some coraline off of LR with a knife in front of a PH this will spread the spores around your tank.

Jeff

BrianH · 05-11-2002, 03:04 AM

by the way, how long would you suggest to keep the lights on. It is currently on for about 10 hours a day. The actinic is on for the full 10 hours and the full spectrum is on for 8. It turns on an hour after the actinic and an hour before the actinic goes off. Thanks for the help.

Stang69 · 05-11-2002, 01:11 PM

This may help a little

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...ture/index.htm

HTH Jeff

darkdamsle · 05-11-2002, 02:38 PM

Hi,

I love B-ionic Calicium system... Just add it to your water daily until it starts taking off and then cut it down some. It is amazing stuff.

dawn