Parameters 'OK', Corraline doesn't think so...

[PDD]

Ok guys,

The question of the day (at least for me)

.

With an Alk of approx. 12 dkh, calcium around 430 and magnesium about 1350, why is my corraline algae growing and then dying? It seems that when the circles get aout a 1/2" to 3/4" they start to die from the inside out.

FYI - I have a calcium reactor and do not dose any Kalk. Supplement minor trace elements.

Any ideas is greatly appreciated.

PDD

 

[esmithiii]

How old is the tank? Mine did this in my 55 for a couple of months and then really kicked in high gear.

Also, what kind of lighting do you use? intense lighting can slow growth.

E

 

[PDD]

E,

My tank was 1 year old in December.

My lighting is two 96 watt PC actinics and two 175 watt MH.

I am concerned b/c my rock is looking pretty bad. Fish and corals seem fine.

Thanks.

 

[coralite1]

Coraline will grow even at half the values you mention. The degeneration you describe is typical of coraline debut. It will actually release more coraline spores to settle elsewhere. If your coraline has good color, the degeneration is indicative of low strontium and if your coraline is pale and growing and dying real fast, your temperature is too warm. Try adding just a little strontium, im confident that will ameliorate things.

 

[PDD]

Coralite,

I haven't heard of what you mention. Thanks. I will check/dose strontium. My temperature rests around 77 degrees in the winter - probably not the problem?.

Thanks again.

PDD

 

[jake levi]

From what you discribe my 'guess' is the lighting,
its pretty intense, once there are other organisms like corals, caulerpas etc to shade it then it will probably come on more, I have had best growth of corraline in lower light intensity, usually straight 40W actinic and triton blue moons. Straight 110 VHO is about the most intense I have used and gotten good growth. As pointed out, when it does die it releases spores so they will probably come on well in slighter more shaded areas.
good luck
jake