Coraline algae question

jrid1997 · Dec 12, 2016

I have read that coraline algae will grow after awhile if you start with all dry rock and don't introduce any coraline first. Then I read you need to put some in there for it to grow. Which one of these are right? Thanks

Squirrel_reefer · Dec 12, 2016

it will develop over time if there is none, introducing some to the tank (ie live rock purchase from LFS), will speed up the development

cloak · Dec 12, 2016

I've always thought that it needs to be introduced to the tank for it to grow. FWIW I had a fish only tank with LACE rock one time and while the parameters were well within reason and the lighting was sufficient I never saw one spec of Coralline algae. This tank was set up for well over a year too.

Shep · Dec 12, 2016

It will develop but it helps a lot to buy some snails or something with coraline already growing on it to seed the tank.

Squirrel_reefer · Dec 12, 2016

a handful of snails is about 5-6$, a small piece of live rock from LFS is about the same 5-6$. Definitely worth it seed the tank. Patients is always free though

cloak · Dec 12, 2016

Is there any particular reason why it didn't show up in my tank? Like mentioned above I did use lace rock as opposed to live rock and I never did add any snails, crabs etc to the tank either.

Squirrel_reefer · Dec 12, 2016

cloak said:
Is there any particular reason why it didn't show up in my tank? Like mentioned above I did use lace rock as opposed to live rock and I never did add any snails, crabs etc to the tank either.

Truth be known I have no idea what Lace rock is?

cloak · Dec 12, 2016

You can find it at most LFS. It's not porous at all but it comes in some really gnarly shapes. A lot of people will use it for Cichlid tanks.

Squirrel_reefer · Dec 12, 2016

cloak said:
You can find it at most LFS. It's not porous at all but it comes in some really gnarly shapes. A lot of people will use it for Cichlid tanks.

learn something new everyday! well I dont know what to tell you, there is always an exception to every rule

PurduePete93 · Dec 12, 2016

I believe something does need to bring coraline algae into the tank for it to grow. It can't just materialize from nothing. But can come from a simple snail or crab. Then with the right lighting and conditions it will grow and spread.