[crete456]

hello to all!...i have read countless articles on coralline algae growth each with different methods...I'd like to make some homemade reef rock(or is it best to buy from LFS) for my fish only tank and grow coralline algae but what is the best method...Ive heard of kalaw.(seems like a hassle),purple up,what can you suggest...also when first purchasing new arrival what is the best way to introduce the fish, I don't have a quaratine tank and heard that a freshwater or formalin dip(what dosage?) is best....also how long of a dip? thanks

[leebca]

Your post has two topics in it. One is good for this forum the other better suits the Marine Fish: Care, Health and Disease Treatment Forum.

In the above Forum you'll see posts regarding a method for a freshwater dip:
Freshwater Dip for Marine Fishes

Bringing in fish without using a quarantine process is like playing Russian Roulette. The bullet will come up eventually. The loss won't possibly be just the new fish or marine specimen, but possibly the fishes you've had emotional and economic investments in. The QT we're talking about costs less than $40. What did you pay for your fish? the one before? the tank of fishes you'll put at risk?

One of the best QT procedures to follow is the one written by Steven Pro. If you read this, I'll think you'll find it isn't that challenging to setup.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-1...ture/index.htm

Coralline spreads well when provided its needed nutrients/ingredients: Calcium, Alkalinity, pH, water quality, light, and time. You need to seed the tank with the coralline you want to spread and it will, with the above nutrients available.

I wouldn't go so far as to say the additives are useless, but they aren't needed.

You can use base rock which will probably give the coralline growth a boost, or you can use your artificial 'rock.' Either will work.

Come check out the new Reefland Forum for fish health recommendations.

Good luck!