Is this Good coralline algae I have growing??

Lester Verano · Jul 13, 2019

Hi, I'm new here, and also new to the hobby of keeping a saltwater reef tank. My tank is about 4 months old. I've been keeping healthy water parameters, and have been dosing with "Purple Up" to acquire the sought after purple/pink/blue coralline algae.

I've posted some pics here of the rocks in my 55 gallon tank. I currently have only fish in my tank. Two of the very purple rocks in the photos are from a pet store, so all the other rocks you see in the surroundings are the ones I'm trying to grow good algae on.
After looking at my photos is there anyone who can tell me what kind of algae this is on all these rocks, or if it is good healthy algae growth? Remember, the two purple rocks are from the fish store, so those are not the ones I'm concerned about.

I scratched at some of the growth with my finger nail, but I'm not sure how healthy coralline algae is supposed to feel, or how difficult it is supposed to be to get off of the rocks. I'd really just like if someone could tell me how they think my tank looks like it is doing here, and at the very least, if you see anything that looks bad. Thanks!!

ndrwater · Jul 13, 2019

Looks just fine to me.. in fact, looks like you might have some blue sponge growing in photo #1. Sponge growing is always a good sign.
Coraline is very hard and usually won't scratch off very easily.
I think you keep doing what you are doing!!

Lester Verano · Jul 13, 2019

ndrwater said:
Looks just fine to me.. in fact, looks like you might have some blue sponge growing in photo #1. Sponge growing is always a good sign.
Coraline is very hard and usually won't scratch off very easily.
I think you keep doing what you are doing!!

Thank you!

zoalander1 · Jul 14, 2019

coraline comes with time and a healthy tank. Ive heard of people have faster growth by taking a rock covered in coraline, chipping off some and letting those small pieces fall free in the tank. All of those small pieces will settle and continue to grow