'nother coraline algae question.....

[fliberdygibits]

I asked for general info on coraline algae a few days ago and one of the responses has generated another concern. I have 2 fish and a few random crabs/snails and have JUST finished cycling my tank. I started cycling with the intention of upgrading the lighting during the "thumb twiddling" stage, but found myself caught in a massive layoff. I know everything else in my tank will be ok with the 35 watts I have now, but does the coraline algae need more than that to survive and if so is it the end of the world if it dies since I can't afford more lighting right now?

Or, is coraline algae less picky about spectrum and whatnot so that I could simply train a halogen shop lamp on it to keep it going till I get a check again?

Thanks all.

P.S. - I am working again, so as soon as bills are caught up (a few weeks) I will be stocking the tank and building the lighting.

[reefguy]

actually, coralline algae sometimes does better with less intense lighting. whatever you do, though, don't use a halogen unless you're wanting an aquarium full of hair algae. it's the wrong spectrum of light (too yellow) and will cause nuisance algae to grow much more rapidly than coralline. just make sure you have good circulation and high alkalinity. hope this helps...

[fliberdygibits]

That was exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks. And I must say that the speed with which you responded frightens me

Regards

[reefguy]

you're welcome. how's that for a rapid reply! LOL

[FishDaddy]

Fliberdy,
Glad you are back to work! Employment is good!!!
Your tank should be fine, as reefguy said. I ran my reef for a few months with just NO fluorescents when it was first setup and the coralline did fine. A cheap shoplight with GE or Phillips ultra daylight bulbs will also give some extra light in a pinch for very little money.
Dick

[fliberdygibits]

In a few weeks, I will be installing about 150 watts of PC lighting, then a few after that a metal halide is going in with the PC.... until then, I won't worry about it too much. Thanks

[SteveNichols]

Just be sure to keep the alk and Ca at normal levels. It is sometimes said that a higher alk helps with the growth.