How to Get Rid of Purple/Pink Coralline Algae

Although in most cases the bright hues of coralline algae are sought after by saltwater fish hobbyist, sometimes even the most beautiful algae can be too much of a good thing. Nitrate imbalances in your salt water tank can contribute to an overgrowth of algae and cause you to want to reduce or rid your tank of it entirely. In the case of algae, prevention goes a long way in keeping the coralline from building up to levels in which it is undesirable.

Things You'll Need

  • Urchins
  • Reverse osmosis water (RO water)
  • Scraper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Replace any rocks in your tank that are covered in coralline algae. This will help reduce your coralline problem greatly. Do not scrub them off in the tank, simply remove them and replace with different rocks.

    • 2

      Remove the algae from your tank without harsh chemicals or upsetting the balance of your aquarium's delicate system: obtain an urchin. These night-feeding sea creatures will zero in on your coralline algae and reduce it steadily over time. Introduce one urchin at a time. They may need some time before the start eating your algae, but often once they start, it's an all-you-can-eat buffet and they will clear it out rather quickly.

    • 3

      Check the nitrates in your tank. An over abundance of nitrates will cause your algae to bloom and grow more quickly than you desire. Balance out the nitrates in your aquarium's water by replacing the water that's in your tank. Replace the water 20 percent at a time with reverse osmosis water. Couple this with a phosphate controlling filter.

    • 4

      Remove the coralline algae by scraping it off the sides. This is a task for a scraper that you can find at your fish supply company.

    • 5

      Obtain more plants that combat algae in your tank. As plants compete with algae for both nutrients and light, they will help curb any problems you are having with algae overgrowth.

    • 6

      Change the light. Keep the natural light to a minimum and reduce the time your tank is exposed to light. Ten to 14 hours a day is recommended for planted tanks and 6 to 10 for non-planted tanks. Only use aquarium lamps as the limited spectrum of fluorescent lights will invite a surge in algae that will be hard to combat.