Coralline

How do you get it on your rocks and tank? Is there something to speed it up or what is the best way to get the nice purple?

 

Just keep stable Cal/Alk/Mag and it will take off. Supposedly if you scrape some off the rocks and get it into the water column it will speed up the process a little.

 

+1 to the post above. If you do a scraping to spread the spores make sure to turn off the skimmer for a bout 30 minutes to an hour.

Additionally, maintain your SG, CA/ALK/MAG as mentioned, test for and dose Strontium – do NOT add anything without testing. Maintain low to no nitrates and phosphates. And you will be set….

BTW, once you get it everywhere you will find out how its beautiful and at the same time a pain in the rump.

 

I havent added and calcium to strontium to my tank yet because I only have fish for now.

I am planning to go to soft corals very soon...in a few weeks.

when should I be adding calcium and strontium? Also is there anything I should add now or once I get the soft corals in?

 

You need to test and see what your levels are.

Can you post your parameters for everything you can test for and then we can guide you before you purchase any corals. Also, please describe the tank, set up, time set up and maintenance schedule including filters.

 

If you want to get it, an easy route would be to start using Reef Crystals to make your water.. Do a few good sized water changes with it and it will bring your levels up to acceptable. Its all I use and if I change about 10% of my water per week, my levels of calcium and magnesium stay high.. All I have to do is regulate alk..

 

Does instant ocean salt give you the same thing?
I usually but that b/c the local big pet store chains carry that one readily.
But if you think Reef Crystals is better then I will make the switch.

 

I have seen threads like this before - please read my reply above and post your setup and parameters before we discuss salt mixes and the like. I think you have a fair amount of homework to do before you jump into corals next week, or maybe not...but lets make sure first, ok?

 

I have a 135 gallon tank with dual sumps connected to each other right now.
I am going to one sump system very soon with an Iwaki 100 return pump, and an Aqua C EV 240 skimmer.
Lighting I have 2- 250w MH and 4 55w PC's
I have 2 Koralia 4's, 2 300w titanium heaters.
There is roughly 100 lbs of live rock.

Ammonia is 0
Nitrite is 0
Ph is 8.2
Nitrates are high..60. I am currently doing water changes every few days to get this down. I will not proceed until this is near 0.

I will also not proceed until I finish all my plumbing, going to one sump, with fuge, new skimmer and pump as mentioned above.

The tank was setup for a few years before I bought and moved it all to my house. I am picking up 75 more lbs of live rock this weekend.

Hopefully I've covered it all....if you need more info just let me know.

 

Yup, just maintain parameters and if the spores are already in your tank you will have coralline. Just remember, not having coralline doesnt necessarily mean that your tank is unhealthy. It differs from tank to tank, some people think of it as a nightmare because they have to constantly scrape so be careful what you wish for lol. Others have very little or like myself I have a fair amount with more ugly green coralline than pretty purple or pink.