still cant grow coraline algae

[mike 1]

figured i would ask someone here for some help i have had my tank setup for about a year i am having a hard time growing coraline algae i have small specs of it all over my rock but thats about it just wanted the basics on how to get it going

thanks

 

[Robzilla]

What are your params and what lights do you have?

 

[mike 1]

lol i will answer the best i can i have two coralife lights one high ouput 39w each and one standard t5 lights for the params i just use the api master kit and everything is good according to those cards it comes with might need you to elaborate on the params sorry

 

[PSU4ME]

do you know your Ca and Alk? they play a big role

 

[mike 1]

no i dont i assuming i have to buy a test kit for them

 

[PSU4ME]

yes. but first tell us a little about the tank you have, inhabitants, salt you use etc...

 

[mike 1]

its a 40 gallon fish only for now, ton of live and cured rock i am useing red sea for salt

 

[LuckyReefer123]

Fish only for "now"? Seems like its a new tank. How long has it been set up?

 

[mike 1]

a year is that considered new

 

[PSU4ME]

A year is good. to stimulate coralline, i usually scrape some from a friends tank or a LFS and then crush it up into small pieces and sprikel into the tank......spreads the seed really well. I would not buy any "coralline purple" stuff......it will go naturally but like corals, it uses CA to grow/build so i would test that....maybe your salt doesn't give you enough.

 

[mike 1]

ok i have some liquid calcium just need to get a test kit for it

 

[PSU4ME]

Mrs wages pickling lime is also a good way to add Ca and Alk to your tank.....commerically they call it kalkwasser mix but this stuff is waaaaaay cheaper.....may want to look into that if you are just looking for additional Ca/Alk.....great for top off water (not too much at one time though)

 

[JulesVane]

I suggest using B-Ionic 2 part Calcium & Alkalinity and B-Ionic Magnesium, and of course testing for such. Great products!