coralline algae ??

[Lovge]

Was just wondering.. I started my cycle recently with dry rock and dry sand... how long untill I should be developing that gorgeous purple algae? Also I have been running my cycle without my lights. Do i need to turn them on for the growth or just leave em off till im ready to put stuff in it?

 

[booth2010]

Coralline takes a while to grow, not always purple either. Have you put anything in the tank that already has the coraline on it? That will help seed it. I use Kent Marine: Purple Tech and Kent Marine: Liquid Calcium to help the coralline grow faster. The lights will help it grow better but as long as there is some light in the room I think it will grow. Your lights can go on any time, or when Nitrates start to appear, the guide on this forum says when Nitrates start appearing the algae cycle is next so it recommend adding lights. I just added mine to my tank that started cycling 3 weeks ago.