What do I do to get coralline growth?

[tobasdad]

Hi,

I recently added LR to my until then FO. The LR has some coralline coverage, but not much. Do I need to add anything to the water to foster coralline growth?

[jmbono]

Coralline likes low to moderate lighting. Keep your calcium and alkalinity levels in check, and you shouldn't have a problem. I had problems growing the stuff until I started dosing Strontium. This made the algae grow rapidly.

[EdKruzel]

I use Aragamilk as a clacium supplement which makes coralline grow like crazy. It will encrust evrything, glass, pumps, filter tubes, rock, etc...

Urchins feed upon coralline which actually helps it to spread. They have grinding like teeth which breaks up the calcareous algae. While some makes it into their mouth much of the small flakes drift off in the current only to settle somewhere else in your tank.

Good Luck,
Ed

[jwm2k3]

yo, jmbono nice avatar!

The coralline will grow with good waterflow and it likes actinic lights too...

[Chris Mu.]

i hear that trace elements play a big part .. which makes sense cause i never do water changes .. therefore theres no trace replacement and i can get it to grow .. i have 440 watts of vho atinic and 220 of the whites...

[jmbono]

jwm2k3, you a Lord of The Rings fanatic?

[LawDawg]

Also, from what i hear garf grunge help by intruducing it into your tank.

[jwm2k3]

COMPLETELY, precious......

[jwm2k3]

LawDawg, garf grunge is basically live sand/crushed coral thats been cultured over many years....

It has coralline in it. As well as many other good things.

[tobasdad]

EdKruzel,
How often should I add the aragamilk? It doesn't really say.

[jmbono]

I just use my best judgment when using Aragamilk. I don't think you can overdose your tank with it. I've heard of someone accidentally spilling a whole bottle of the stuff in their tank. It stayed cloudy for a few days, but no ill affects.

[tobasdad]

Give me some idea of what we are talking; once a day, once a week, once a month...?

[Mad Scientist]

I use Kent's Liquid Reactor - it's expensive but it will grow coralline to the point where it's gets to be a nusiance.

[jmbono]

Maybe twice a week. Your calcium levels should give you an indication how much you need to dose. If your Ca levels are in an acceptable range, then dose once a week. If they are low, then maybe three times a week. I used to dose whenever I felt like it. I never had any problems doing it this way.

PS: Keep an eye on any filter floss in your tank, because this stuff will clog it up faster than normal wear and tear.

[wtrhed]

I have used aragaMilk since day 1. It is awsome stuff but nobody that I talk to has ever heard of it. You can't overdose. I use about 4 drops a gallon for top off and about 5 drops at nght in the tank every 2-3 days. Coralline grows better under moderate light. My 110gl VHO tank is covered, but my 75gl 800wtt halide tank has alot less

[EdKruzel]

You can use it every day with no side effects. It cannot be overdosed.
I like to put a few drops per gallon in each night, however I often forget, so it is more like every third day.

Good Luck,
Ed