How to start getting coraline algae?

[SALTWATER_JUNKIE]

My tanks 11 months old. Only have a few coral in it, 8 fish and cuc. Dealing with gha right now but I've read and heard that once u start developing coraline algae in tank that's when you should start adding corals. So is it true? How to I get coraline algea in my tank? Looking forward to responses!

 

[Aidanwolf]

You have to introduce coraline alage through coral frags or other means. Just because you don't have coraline alage doesn't mean your tank isnt ready for coral.

 

[SALTWATER_JUNKIE]

You have to introduce coraline alage through coral frags or other means. Just because you don't have coraline alage doesn't mean your tank isnt ready for coral.

I believe I have some on the shells of snails. How long does it take to spread/grow. My t as his 11months old.

 

[Triple.T]

I believe I have some on the shells of snails. How long does it take to spread/grow. My t as his 11months old.

As I'm not sure how fast it gets into a system, from all my research it can be quick for some and long for others. I've read great reviews on the purple/pink stuff they sell in a bottle but haven't tried it myself .

 

[Silent]

Scrape it off the shells and flake/grind it up into the water column.

 

[Euphyllia97]

Just adding a small piece of rock that contains some coralline algae will do the trick! As long as you have some good light (debatable), and parameters are stable you will see some growth pretty quickly. I introduced it by adding a coral frag with some coralline on it.

I wouldn’t waste money on these commercial products, as it is just an expensive way of dosing :/

 

[lapin]

I started a new 20G tank connected to my main display. All new dry rock. It took about 3 to 4 weeks to see it start growing on the glass. In my main display it took about 6 months to start growing on the sides and rocks.
It has to do with light , alk , cal, mag, ect.... Once you have it growing, like most algae, you wish you didnt have it. I would try using a inexpensive LED grow light bulb (hardware store screw in base type) to jump start it. Try pointing it at a back corner for a few weeks or at a panel in your sump and see how it goes. I had one of those over my overflow box to grow some algae. The box was covered with coraline.

 

[BrandonS]

I have heard that a higher PH 8.1-8.3 helps it grow faster. May be anecdotal though.

 

[SALTWATER_JUNKIE]

Thanks for all the quick responses guys! I think I'm going to try and scrape the shells to get it into the water column.

 

[Aidanwolf]

Thanks for all the quick responses guys! I think I'm going to try and scrape the shells to get it into the water column.

You can also try this.