Coralline algae bottled

Robert1994 · Feb 5, 2020

The literature says I should add this to a "mature" tank. My tank began with live gravel, complete with anenomes, but my rock had never seen anything but rain water. Fish are doing well. Red algae is alive and tangs, hermit crabs and blenny are keeping it under control. PH is stabilized. Salinity is on the low side, which I don't understand as I am mixing Red Sea salt as instructed in 55 gal barrels and keep the water moving. 25% water change weekly. Carbon filter, refugium, protein skimmer, heater, chiller. When is my tank mature enough to introduce the coralline ?
First filled tank in September, cycled it before all the other steps.

rfgonzo · Feb 5, 2020

As far as your salinity goes. The instructions are just a guideline, not set in stone. Add more salt mix till you get it to where you need it. And make sure it's up to temperature as this will affect salinity.

Scotty Buttons · Feb 5, 2020

Do you know what your calcium level is? Coralline algae is hardy stuff. If your tank is cycled and you have adequate calcium and light id go ahead and add it. I think one of the best ways to spread coralline algae is by inducing some hermit crabs and snails that have it covering their shells. They will spread it all over your rocks and it'll eventually grow and spread.

Good luck.

Robert1994 · Feb 6, 2020

First time I've used this kit, but it appears the calcium is about 400 ppm. If that sounds off the wall, I didn't follow the instructions or count properly. I don't have any snails but I have 6 or 7 hermit crabs that are very active, Thanks for the advise.