Coralline algae

Javen · May 15, 2015

It's a 125 gal. Lol I know. But it gets really good lighting all around the tank

Javen · May 15, 2015

What about LED

Javen · May 15, 2015

The light reach across the whole top of the tank

Sirreefalot · May 15, 2015

Yea that light will not due. That's why you have problems even sustaining the coralline. I'm not a fan of LEDs (other then to supplement) if you don't want to go with the best (MH) I would say T5 would be the next best choice.

Javen · May 15, 2015

How expensive are they and where could I get them

Sirreefalot · May 15, 2015

They aren't that expensive you can look for some used ones. The cost with Mh is in your electric bill and bulb replacement.

Javen · May 15, 2015

Do they not last long?

haleyf1024 · May 15, 2015

Bulbs last anywhere from 6 months to about a year depending on what type you get. My T5s are supposed to be changed every 8-10 months, or sooner if they become dim. If you plan on getting coral, you will need to upgrade to a better light, or get non-photosynthetic corals. But you won't be able to get many, and they require feeding.

Javen · May 15, 2015

So large LEDs are not good to have

haleyf1024 · May 15, 2015

LEDs are more for supplementing other lights. Many people who are really into corals use, say, metal halides or T5s with LEDs because it brings out their color

Javen · May 15, 2015

Oooooooh that makes sense lol I'm new and just work with what I can . about the MH how long are they

Javen · May 15, 2015

I'm only 14. My dad can get the bulbs for free but do they come in a longer form

sawdonkey · May 15, 2015

You can surely use LEDs alone. They are not just a supplement, but could be used as a supplement. I find that coralline actually grows better in less light. I have over 200 3w LEDs over my tank and get very little coralline on my glass. My rock are very purple though. In my sump, I run a Home Depot household LED. My sump is covered in coralline.

I don't think lighting is your problem. What is your alk, calcium, nitrate, and phosphate testing at?

Javen · May 16, 2015

It all what it is suppose to be. can you have too much calcium or something. I have a 125 gal. With 10 pounds of live rock (that stuff is too expensive ) anyway so that is probably a little bit of the problem

Robertchrisroph · May 16, 2015

Good day. I went down to the local fish store and ask for a few pieces of rubble that is covered might cost a couple dollars. See if that seeds the tank, also are you using tap water to make salt? This is just for the pros to know. Also if your not using a refractometer to check salt, those plastic things don't last long if at all in my opinion Hello hope you find your coraline

Sirreefalot · May 16, 2015

100% his lighting... he states his water quality is perfect. Also is that all the rock you have? You should a minimum of 125 pounds of rock I there. Doesn't have to be all live but rock is needed.

Sirreefalot · May 16, 2015

Robertchrisroph said:
Good day. I went down to the local fish store and ask for a few pieces of rubble that is covered might cost a couple dollars. See if that seeds the tank, also are you using tap water to make salt? This is just for the pros to know. Also if your not using a refractometer to check salt, those plastic things don't last long if at all in my opinion Hello hope you find your coraline

He stated he seeded it already and it died off.