[Brian35]

Am i wrong to think that coraline will not take over a spot that has hair algae already growing on it?

I have a feeling on the answer but wanted to ask to be sure.

[Reefland]

That is correct. The coralling needs a solid, porus substrate to attach to and therefore will not overgrow hair algae. I think the only thing that will overgrow hair algae is cyanobacteria! LOL

[Brian35]

that im sure of I just want my take to go from red and green and hairy to a nice shade of smooth purples.

All in due time i guess

[Reefland]

That's right my friend! Good husbandy skills and patience, you'll get there!

[saltjunkie]

cont rush.. keep your hands and chemicals out of the tank.. as much as possible..

[tussinhead]

I've been adding Reef Builder (which raises carbonate alkalinity) and Reef Advantage Calcium, both of which are SeaChem products to my tank on an alternating basis, twice a week. The effect this has had on my coralline algae growth has been amazing! I had been starting to lose a lot of the purple coralline, but the trend has now been reversed, and my LR is once again covered. Coralline has even started growing on my overflow and tank walls. I got the idea from an article I read at garf.org on propagating coralline algae.

[Brian35]

i am also going to be getting some new bulbs this weekend. I have been reading olot on spectrum shifting and that could be a big cause of algae growth .. besides it cant hurt, right?

I have also started dripping Kalk during the evening hours when im home. 1 drip per sec. and of course checking the PH before i start the drip just to see whats what. Also plan on starting to use stromium(SP). I am willing to give the SeaChem calcium a try too.

Im really starting to dig all this reef chemistry for water quality.

[Reefland]

Don't worry yourself with the Strontium, it's not important to add and there is no way to accurately test for your current levels; over dosing the aqaurium could be bad.

The only reason you should have to add any other calcium supplemtnt on top of the nightly kalk drip would be to raise your calcium level; the kalk will maintain what you have once it's established.

[Brian35]

ive never dosed any calcium before so i bet my levels are really low and what im adding is getting absorbed fairly quickly. But i guess your right why over do something that im already doing.

Any other supplements that you think would be helpful and not feed the green hairy monster in my tank?

[Samper]

RO/DI is the best way to help keep it away. And don't over feed.

[Reefland]

There are no other supplements that I would dose, calcium and alkalinity is it.