What brand and model for corallline algae to thrive?

Fischer's Angel · #1 01/05/2008, 12:40 PM

I am planning to start a new 55 Gallon FOWLR and would like some recommendations for which lighting system to use. I am in the tropics and it gets pretty warm here, so I want to avoid excess heat, so have decided on the standard 48" T-5.

I would like coralline algae to grow and thrive, and I am NOT planning to keep any LPS or SPS at any time - would a two bulb system be adequate for coralline?

Can you suggest which specific brand and model lighting system would work best in a 20" deep tank?

Thanks !

Cultivatedcoral · #2 01/05/2008, 12:49 PM

Hi Fischer's Angel,

T-5's will get you coraline no problem but the real key is keeping Magnesium levels over 1300 and Calcium over 400. If your not keeping LPS or SPS it really does not matter as much the brand of T-5's.

Hope that helps.

Nick
www.cultivatedcoral.com

Fischer's Angel · #3 01/05/2008, 01:07 PM

Thanks for the fast response!

Would addition of kalkwasser and regular (25% monthly) water changes be sufficient to keep coralline healthy, or would magnesium need to be added seperately?

If magnesium needs to be added in addition to the water changes can you suggest a product - I have never used magnesium supplements and I'm pretty sure my LFS would have no idea what I'm talking about.

Thanks again!

Cultivatedcoral · #4 01/05/2008, 01:59 PM

Kalkwasser is not necessary for keeping coraline algae. Just keep Calcium from 400-450 and Magnesium 1300-1400.

Water changes are always good to replenish Calcium and other elements. Depending on which salt you use you may have to add Magnesium seprately to maintain above 1300.

saltydragon · #5 01/05/2008, 03:00 PM

i use seachem magnesium

or order by bulk at bulkreefsupply.com

Fischer's Angel · #6 01/05/2008, 03:19 PM

Thanks for the info everyone!
Is photoperiod with two 48" T-5 an issue for coralline growth, or is 8-10 hours a day O.K.?

Cultivatedcoral · #7 01/05/2008, 05:22 PM

8-10 hours should be fine.

Nick

pjf · #8 01/05/2008, 05:48 PM

I have a 75-gallon tank with a second coralline algae outbreak within 4 months on the glass walls. My current lighting is comprised of only two 54-watt T5HO lamps. The actinic lamp is on for 12 hours a day. The daylight lamp is on for only 6 hours a day. I've had coralline algae outbreaks even when I had weaker (71 watts total) PC lamps.

Pretty soon, you may want to invest in a Therme Algae Terminator.

slant77 · #9 01/05/2008, 06:13 PM

Yes that should be fine. Coralline dosent need very high light levels to grow.