Halimeda Dying

[GMH320]

Several months ago I got some Gulf-View live rock which had a lot of halimeda growing on it. During cycling most of it withered and died, but grew back with a fury. It is now starting to decline again (turning brown and white). What can be causing this? Too much or too little light? Calcium levels are around 420, should they be higher? Any info would be appreciated.

 

[Midland]

When are you noticing the turn to white? This particular algae will turn white during the lights off phase and then green up again during the daylight hours. If this is what you are seeing, it is perfectly normal. As long as calcium and alkalinity levels are high, I've not had problems keeping this algae alive under just about any lighting although it will grow much faster under MH lighting. Hope that helps.

 

[Anonymous]

Without knowing more it sounds like your halimeda has consumed most of the nutrients in your system and pieces of it are starving. Should'nt be a problem once it strikes a balance. One plus I've seen is the leaves on dead Halimeda dissolve into some of the best sand you could ever hope for.

 

[Mike02]

When Halimeda turns white it is dead. It does lighten up at nite, but doesnt turn white. I read that when its getting too much calcium it will turn white as a result.

 

[jiml77]

I got rock from gulf view that was covered with halimeda. It all died within a few weeks. Six weeks ago I got a piece of rock from another reefer's tank along with some corals. It had a small patch about 2" in diameter. It is now huge about 8+". Only have vho lighting calcium at 370-400. add kalk for all makeup water. Original plant did not like shipping I guess, though it was not as bright green as this new one is.

Jim

 

[GMH320]

It is only certain branches that turn white and stay thay way until they eventually die and fall off. This is just a recent occurance, it has always been growing like weeds.