GROWING CORALLINE ALGAE
WWW.FREDKESSLER.COM
READY FOR THE LIVE ROCK
The above picture shows one of my set-ups.In the center is a powerhead with a"rotator".Next I'll place live rock around the powerhead.Here's a tip that will really speed-up the process,I scrape the rocks on my project pieces.Small started cultures are left in the cracks and crevices.These act as seeds that give things a boost.Place air stones in any dead spots,weight'em down with a piece of live rock.The more circulation the better.In my opinion,lighting is not that important.In the summer I use an outside set-up thats on the north side of shed,under a tree.It only gets indirect light and the algae grows great!My indoor system(100 gals.)uses 3-40 watt fluorescent bulbs.2 whites,1 blue.
Clean water is a must.Too much phosphate or not enough calicum,Coralline algae will not grow.I"try" to keep calicum levels above 400ppm and the phosphate levels as low as possible,never above 0.3ppm.To keep my levels down I use a phosphate removal pad and carbon in a mechanical filter.Protien skimmers also helps lower the level.
When I do my partial water change I use an assortment of reef additives,GARF has a good menu using Seachem's additives.I keep trying different combinations.And always check the waters make-up.
In closing,keep in mind,WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU'LL GROW!I always look for unique and bright color algae when buying live rock from dealers.SAVE THE REEFS,GROW YOUR OWN.