Coraline algae growth

[primereef]

I have a new reef setup. 240 gal 4-400w MH. Established in May of 05. Filled with Man made rock. I have 2 to 3 inch substrate. (40 lbs of substrate from established reef). Calcium levels at 480 Akl at 10. Now the middle of August no sign of coraline algae growth. I have some LR from the LFS. and c. algae scrapings from LFS. Why no coraline growth yet. Another tank I saw has been set up for one month with growth on sides, bottom and the back of the glass. What is wrong if anything? Lack of patience perhaps?

[Poseidon]

Sometime C. Algae takes a while to start growing, and it likes to start in DARKER areas... I'll bet the 400 W halides are just going to take some getting used too!

[kevinpo]

What are your phosphate, nitrate and magnesium levels? High levels of the first two will inhibit coralline growth as will low levels of magnesium.

HTH,
Kevin

[primereef]

Hey thanks for the reply. The tank I mentioned was the LFS which has 250 watt and less than 30 days it was on all sides of the tank. The phosphate and nitrate levels are 0 and the magnesium I have never checked. I do use seachem reef plus twice a week. I thought the light would be the problem but in the low light areas there are no signs of growth. For the tank size I have very low stock. My skimmer actually stops foaming most of the week. I thought of shutting it off. I do add seachem marine buffer to keep my ph at 8.2.

Everybody says it will take time I just thought 3 months was long enough.
Any other advise? Thanks

[Spick]

If patience doesnt work for you then you could defintiely do some vigorous testing on your water and chemsitry to see waht teh "delay" is. But for the most part, all tanks cycle and grow at different rates. My tank started to grow C.Algae 2 months in, my friend has had his for a year and only NOW he's seeing signs of it spreading. With patience and the right chemistry in your tank, C.Algae will definitely spread, and before you knwo it you'll be having to scrape off your front glass which is a PAIN in the ......

[primereef]

Thank you very much. I wasn't sure if mine was abnormal. All my chemistry is okay. I contributed it to the 4 400 MH I have. I have man made rock so I sure its part of the process also. Again, thanks for your time and advice.

[Spick]

no problem.. its always ncie to hear different ppls problems and techniques... and know that your not the only one.. that is slow with coraline.. give it time..;)