[tray262]

Hey everyone, I've got a couple of questions.

Where do you find the first growth of Coraline Algea ? rocks, sand, glass ?
What are the typical colors ?
How long does it typically take to start the growth ?
Is there such thing as too much light for it ?

Reason I'm asking, my rocks had some really great colors on them when I got them, since it's really just faded to pretty much nothing. I'm getting lots, and I mean lots of purple to grow on the glass. But as for the rocks, not much at all. Is there anything I can do to help, or do I just continue to scrap it off the glass and not worry about it ?

Thanks guys and gals of the hobby, I'm loving to hate. lol.

[Ninong]

Originally Posted by tray262

Where do you find the first growth of Coraline Algea ? rocks, sand, glass ?

Hopefully on your live rock. Eventually if will show up just about everywhere, except the sand.

What are the typical colors ?

It comes in a wide variety of colors but the most common are shades of purple, lavendar and pink.

How long does it typically take to start the growth ?

Anywhere from a few weeks to a few months depending on environmental conditions. Just make sure to maintain proper pH and proper levels of calcium, magnesium and alkalinity. (pH 8.0-8.4, calcium 425-475 ppm, magnesium ~1300 ppm, alk 8-12 dKH)

Is there such thing as too much light for it ?

Yes, but there are many different species and their light requirements vary. In general, it does better with less intense light. That's why you will see coralline algae on the underside of returns but not the topside.

Reason I'm asking, my rocks had some really great colors on them when I got them, since it's really just faded to pretty much nothing. I'm getting lots, and I mean lots of purple to grow on the glass. But as for the rocks, not much at all. Is there anything I can do to help, or do I just continue to scrap it off the glass and not worry about it ?

Just keep scraping it off the glass. At least that proves you have the right conditions for it. It will eventually cover all available surfaces on your live rock, too.

[tray262]

Thanks again for the great reply. Ninong. The stuff on the glass is very thick so I think I'll be of. I just see others tanks and the look so good with with all the cor al growwing everywhere.