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Coraline algae question

C

Chuck_NJ

I am in the hobby for just a month or so . I bought a established FOWLR that i am adding coral too. The previous owner was a fanatic about cleaning the tank so there was never a algae build up. I noticed at the LFS and in pictures here that you want to have that purple algae build up on the rear glass and live rock. I have nice purple algae on my live rock . I have been using purple up and checking my calcium level keeping it just under 400.

I have noticed on some of the glass on the rear of the tank the purple starting to show up. But on the other hand the other areas there is a greenish brown algae that covers the glass is this the early stages of Coraline? or should i remove that stuff ?
 
H

Hirobo

Get your calcium up to 450 and keep it there and you should start seeing it grow you can also scrape some off of your rocks and let it float around in the tank to start the cycle. IMHO purple up doesnt work. When I started my tank back in April I strated with green and finally got the purple coraline. If you keep your calcium up it will grow just takes awhile. If you started with all fresh saltwater you will still go through a cycle stage, so it may take some time to build up the coraline. Hope i helped
 
E

evoIX

when you scrape and leave it floating is best to keep off any powerheads? i'd like to do this as well. i ahve it all over my rocks but want it on the back as well.
 
H

Hirobo

Chuck_NJ said:
Doent purple up raise the calcium level?
Click to expand...

High dissolved phosphate levels inhibit the growth of coralline algae (and corals) and favors the growth of nuisance algaes. Check phosphate levels and use Phos-Buster or other products to lower phosphate levels if necessary.
Carbonate hardness levels should be maintained at natural seawater levels or higher.
High nitrogenous waste levels encourage nuisance algae growth, keep nitrogenous waste levels in check.
Keep pH in the range of normal seawater (8.2).
Light spectrum in the range of 5500°K or higher favors the growth of coralline algae.

http://tfjpetcenter.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=23 This is what i use and works great for me
 
C

Chuck_NJ

I did notice the phosphates a little high, I have been doing by weekly 40% water changes yesterday was my 3rd since receiving this tank. The nitrates where off the charts when i got it. They are now below 20 and i think the phophates are maybe 5 if thats the nuber in the middle of the chart.

I guess i need that phos sorb stuff your talking about .


Lastly do i remove the brown green algae off the rear glass along with the purple? of just leave the purple?
 
H

Hirobo

I would leve it. After the tank balances out it should go away if you started with new water you will go throug a few cycles before things balance out. I went through hair algae brown green before things settled in. After it cycled everything went away and the purple coraline started I also have green coraline
 
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