MH & coralline algae

[Tim C]

I just read the thred, "How to grow coraline algae" and appreciated that information. However, I have a 175 wt MH that is 13 inches (33 cm) above my DSB.

I just added my 40 lbs. (18 KG) of cured Marshall Island LR to my 40 G (151 L) tank that now holds 32 G (121 L) of water. After watching the LR curing in a seperate tank under limited NO fluorecent lighting, I've noticed the green coralline algae starting to get much more vibrant in color. The red and purple coralline doesn't seem to be growing as fast, but has improved. I've been adding AragaMIGHT! as top off, and twice used Kent Marine Kalkwasser the past 12 days.

I no have NO lights on 10 hrs a day and the MH for one hour to increase lighting on the rock. I want the coralline to grow before increasing the MH lighting. Any suggestions? How much light can the coralline handle? How much does it need?

Tim C.

[steve1s]

Coralline algae will grow much quicker without the MH light. They will in fact enjoy the lower output of the NO light. True 03 actinics are actually the best, preferabley at the 7100k light temp.

That combined with properly balanced alk, mag and calcium levels; you will find the rock will become covered quite quickly.

It also depends on which color you wish to propagate more of. Red, green and orange coralline will not spread as quickly once placed in the diplay tank under regular intense lighting patterns. The pink and purple will continue to spread, but at a much slower rate if the MH is on more than a few hrs/day.

Cheers
Steve

[HoopsGuru]

In addition, I would add Seachem's sugar based Reef Calcium. It won't do much else but it is excellent for increasing coralline algae. When you do increase the MH, make sure you do it very slowly. Sudden changes in lighting is the #1 cause of coralline algae bleaching.....nothing worse than growing it for some time and then seeing it bleach!

[Tim C]

Thanks for the replies. If anyone has anything else to add, feel free.

I think I'll shut off the MH for a while until the rocks get covered more. When I buy animals to put into the system, hopefully they will shade some of the new growth of coaralline algae.

Tim C.

[Zack]

What has been said above has been proven to be true but to get on glass I have found with my stronger mh lighting that it grows faster. Good luck

[HoopsGuru]

Like I said, before you start getting livestock, start to slowly increase the photoperiod of your MH. This will keep the existing coralline from bleaching from light shock.... you should also be able to keep it growing just maybe not as rapidly.

[Zack]

just another note keep those calicum levels up!!

[wastwage]

calcium levels up it will grow no matter what

[HoopsGuru]

calcium levels up it will grow no matter what

Not if they bleach from the sudden shock of MH lighting, which is why an acclimation period is still required. :wink:

On a side note, I have been dosing with SeaChem's Reef Calcium for about two weeks now and have seen a definite improvement in coralline growth of both red and purple. This does not mean it is a superior calcium product but actually the exact opposite as was advised by WWM...that it is sugar based and useful almost exclusively to coralline and not much else. :wink:

[wastwage]

not mh to bleach usually temp does it

[HoopsGuru]

not mh to bleach usually temp does it

I completely disagree. I'm tempted to ask if you any actually third party evidence to support this.

I do, the following is a quote from the Coralline Algae FAQ at WetWebMedia.

"WOW...the number one cause of coralline bleaching... sudden increase in light. BINGO. Some aquarists also experience this without new lamps or fixtures when they do a water change with the lights on... then all of the corallines left high and dry under the bright lamps (with the dropped water level) bleach white right down to the water line within 24 hrs"(Calfo)

and also

"coralline algae bleaching is caused by low calcium or a sudden increase in light"(Gage)

I have not been able to find evidence in any publication or internet site relating temperature as a cause of coralline algae bleaching, would be interested to see such.

[wastwage]

go to the library lots of books on it also light doesnt change that much in the tropics lux meter readings will support this Im not in to debating with you but I totally disagree with you. go to this link and look at the first reason he list http://www.marinebiology.org/coralbleaching.htm

[Irisservice]

OK Guys calm down it’s just a topic!!!!

[HoopsGuru]

Wastwage, I think you may be mistaken. Although you are right on the money for coral bleaching, coralline algae is not the same thing and thus, does not have the same causes as the article you mention. If you enjoy reading about boring topics, I am providing a website on Coralline Algae (http://www.botany.uwc.ac.za/clines/) that may give you a better understanding of what it is, how it grows, its importance to the reef, etc.

[phistio]

while temperature could possibly be a factor in coraline bleaching, i think light, rather intensity in the spectrum is the leading factor.

while i found the coral bleaching artilce quite informative, the bleaching of coraline algea is a bit out of context...great find wastwage! thanks!

[killroysrevenge]

Coraline algae needs correct Calcium, magnesium, Alk., and it also needs strontium. Strontium is very important.

[LVMAS]

Hello.

I thought I qiuckly mention my ecperience intrying to grow coraline under MH bulbd. I have 3 of them. I tried everything...

I found two things that work and worked very well. Now my coraline grows like shroome on old trees.

1) Reef DNA
2) Real seawater. That when I started getting silly coraline. It was almost comical. (No I dont use Catilina Water)

Just my 2 cents. :)