Does Alkalinity help algae grow?

[fity2pounder]

I'm just getting through an algae outbreak (RODI wasn't as pure as it should have been). I'm wanting to start dosing Calcium and Alkalinity again, but I'm wondering if Alkalinity will help the algae grow back. I'm assuming that Calcium won't as the algae doesn't have a skeleton. Anyone have any feedback on this? Thanks!!

 

[W1ngz]

I'm guessing by 'alkalinity' you mean bicarbonate? Alkalinity is technically the measurement of bicarbonate in the water, it's not a substance. Carbonate is the other major component of calcium carbonate coral skeletons.

I've never seen anything that says any of the big 3 help algae grow.

 

[saltyhog]

Only if it's a calciferous algae like halimeda or similar .