Corraline Algae?

[xxnonamexx]

I have been adding Bionic 1 and 2 to my 55gal SW Reef for the past 8 months. I have yet to see any corraline algae growth in my tank. What am I doing wrong? Is there something else I need to add? My friend uses Bionic and has a R/O system and he gets Corraline algae but I don't think that you need RO in order to get Corraline algae. Any suggestions Thanks

 

[Deanos]

What are your calcium, magnesium and alkalinity levels? What light do you have on the tank?

 

[fishguttz]

I have yet to see any corraline algae growth in my tank.

Do you have any coraline algae in your tank to start with?

There are several different kinds. You might want to borrow a piece from your friend to get the tank seeded, especially if he's got some beautiful color on his.

 

[herman]

1. Although there are people that dont use RODI water, you get much better reults with it. Its a cheap investment considering the benefits.

2. Get some good lights if you have not done so already.

3. The B Ionic system is good but you need to know what your calcium, alkalinity and magnesium levels are. Proper levels are needed for anything to calcify.

4. You need to seed your tank.

5. Get back to us with info on your tank, equipment, filtration and water parameters and we can help steer you in the right direction.

 

[Quang]

Hi noname...lol

Like the mods have said, coralline algae needs to be seeded first. Besides checking your Alk, Calcium, Magnesium levels, keep your Phosphate levels low as well.

according to http://www.aquariumfish.com/aquariumfish/detail.aspx?aid=1742&cid=3793&search=:

"Coralline algae require calcium and carbonates in the water in order to calcify and grow. High levels of phosphate interfere with this process, and the coralline algae will cease to grow and will eventually die off."

So whate are sources of phosphate?....feeding, fish waste, etc. Try addressing your phosphate levels and you might have success with coralline algae.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[xxnonamexx]

I know my nitrates are 0 and phosphates are 0. The calcium and alk I know are correct b/c when I did the test and cheked the chart it was perfect I do not have the exact number. I have MH 20,000K Reef Devil Skimmer, Some rocks I bought have coraline algae on it already. I have corals, clams all doing fine but I do not have coralline algae and I add the 2step Bionic system.

 

[DevIouS]

What test kits are you using?
You'll need to use accurate kits, as far as Salifert or Seachem.

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but B-Ionic is a stabilizer not a buffer to raise Calcium or Alkalinity.

 

[jawwad2004]

We forgot one of the important aspect: FLOW!?
How much flow is in your tank? How big is your tank?

 

[xxnonamexx]

I have great flow all the corals are doing wonderful I have a MAG7 return and 2 powerheads, 55gal. Nitrates 0, ALK Normal, Cal 500mg. I use the Redsea Accurate kit

 

[xxnonamexx]

I understand RO system would be ideal but there has to be a way to accomplish this with tap water. I also have PhosX in my sump to keep the Phosphate at 0 which it is. The tank is very clean and I have a big clean up crew. My MH 20K go on at 1pm-9pm.

 

[DRENALYN9]

Do a lot of testing make sure your tank water levels are great. my tank is now almost three months old and i have kept a steady calcium levels steady (450) also of course keep your nitrates low and no phosphates. having a couple rocks filled with coraline already. then all you need patients, don't worry it will grow. some times it takes more time.

 

[DevIouS]

I use the Redsea Accurate kit

RedSea test kit = not accurate

 

[DEEPWATER]

I understand RO system would be ideal but there has to be a way to accomplish this with tap water. I also have PhosX in my sump to keep the Phosphate at 0 which it is. The tank is very clean and I have a big clean up crew. My MH 20K go on at 1pm-9pm.

correct me if im wrong ,but doesnt coralline like less light

 

[Tonyscoots84]

suppos. it does ronen but look at my pics of my tank coralline algae everywhere...... from what i learned u need to have some nice live rock in there with coralline algae (seeding) then water needs to be pristine meaning rodi (clean water), levels need to be close to perfect or perfect and watch the coralline take off... (1st spots of coralline in my tank were after 2 - 3 weeks of it being up.)

when you say good what is good, might not be good to what is really supposed to be good.. :duh: jus confused myself lmao..

anyways get rid of that tap water get yourself a wise investment from ebay aquasafe RODI filters and make ur tank happy ...