coraline algae?!?

[0000]

i've had my 36 gallon tank setup for over a year. water parameters are good.


good cleanup crew,
I grow green algae on glass, but cannot get any purple coroline to grow?

could the reason be because I dont use reverse osmosis water?

[breiter3]

Although it's recommended to use to rodi water, I don't know how thy would specifically inhibit growth. Do you know your tank parameters?

[patsfan1130]

Alk, Ca & Mg have to in optimum levels - Let us know what these levels are.

[AaronM]

As well as above, make sure your phosphate is next to 0 -> 0.03ppmish.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-09/rhf/index.php

[thegrun]

In addition you may need to add a small rock with coraline on it. It does not appear out of thin air. If your live rock did not have any on it to begin with (most live rock has at least a little coraline algae), you need to introduce it to the tank.

[Korrine]

I'm not introducing coraline to my new tank. It will cover your rock and can eventually start choking it out. Also it's more of a pita to clean when it gets on the glass. And you have to take out and soak your equipment in vinegar.

Here was my equipment at it's very worst. Don't let yours get this bad.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg200/kj23502/sw%20tank/012-3.jpg

[Dustin1300]

While I'd agree that it is a pain I would not eliminate it. Too pretty and easy to keep clean if you soak in vinegar on a regular cycle.

[Korrine]

what do you do with your rock when it becomes so encrusted that it could affect the nitrification cycle?