Coralline Algae Growth

[dsinsocal]

How come I can grow all the coralline algae in the world on my glass and plastic pieces, but can't get it to grow on the rocks, where I want it, hardly at all.

I'm constantly scraping the glass, and anytime I put anything plastic/acrylic in there (a new pump, a frag rack, whatever) it is completely covered within a few weeks. The rocks though? Forget it. There are a few small purple spots here and there if you look really hard, but it simply doesn't grow on the rocks. This seems so odd to me. Any thoughts?

 

[lapin]

Maybe - Maybe Not
The rocks have bacteria that is consuming the nutrients your coraline like and maybe your coraline. The bacteria are not living on the glass or plastic. Tell the bacteria that they need to move out and live out on the glass.

 

[dsinsocal]

Hmm. That actually makes sense to me. Thanks. The question is now, how to encourage coralline growth on the rocks without inviting nuisance algae to cut in line for the free buffet?

 

[lapin]

30 day notice to vacate?

 

[dsinsocal]

Nuisance algae seems like the type that would claim squatter's rights, costing all sorts of time and money in court proceedings. It's best never to leave the window open for them.