Boron and Coralline Algae

[Andrew Schubert]

I've been trying to get Coralline Algae to grow in my 120 since i set the tank up 18 months ago. I've finally started seeing some growth 2 weeks ago, and now there are about 50 small spots all over the floor of my tank (running bare bottom). Anyways, I have an idea of what has caused the sudden "explosion" of algae after trying for so long to get even a little evidence of it forming.

I sent in my first Triton ICP test at the start of Novemeber, and registered a 'slight' decline of Boron in my system. My Boron was at 3.4ppm, and natural sea water is 4.5ppm. Doesn't seem like a huge amount, however I decided to purchase some BrightWell Aquatics BoroChrom and dose some to raise the levels in my tank. Just recieved my 2nd month of Triton ICP test back and looks like I dosed a little too much, as my current levels are now slightly elevated at 4.9ppm.

However, that is the only extra thing I've change from my system from 2 months ago. So it makes since to me that the Boron might have helped kick-start the growth of the algae. Right on the bottle of the BoroChrom is says "for improved Coralline Growth and Red Coloration in tissue of zooxanthellate inverebrates"

Has anyone else seen similar effects of dosing Boron in their systems? Maybe, if you are also struggling getting coralline algae to take root in your system it might be something for you to look into as well?

 

[X-37B]

My 120 is 6 months old. I have dosed a trace element, DSR trace, since day one and it has boron in it, but I dont test for it. I test for the big 3 and strontium and Iodine.
Iodine is in the DSR trace. Strontium is esv and dosed weekly. I did start with 30lbs of live rock and 30lbs caribsea.
Most of my coralinne is pinkish vs purple. I did get some thick dark green algae on the caribsea for about 3 months but its all gone now that the coralline has taken over.
I have to scrape it off the 3 sides weekly to keep it at bay.
The DSR trace is good stuff and I need to dose trace elements since I do not do water changes.
The white coralline is dead from asterina starfish eating it. Its hard to get them out. Maybe a harliquin shrimp in the future.

 

[my.PsychReef]

Not really sure about Boron, but Strontium has an effect on coralline growth.

 

[Cory]

Imo the elevated boron is not a problem. Seachem used to add it in their "buffer". And their salt mixes wer unnatually high like at 12ppm. The purpose was to keep ph stable since boron helps with that. But i dont agree with 12ppm. Yours is fine just stop dosing. Interesting boron did that!