How to Increase Coralline Algae

Colored with beautiful pinks or reds, coralline algae makes a vibrantly colored addition to a fish tank. Though it grows relatively slowly, you can cultivate coralline in your tank and help it to spread on live rock.

Things You'll Need

  • Commercial calcium buffer system
  • Light colored bowl
  • Toothbrush, scalpel or other scraping device
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Instructions

    • 1

      Adjust the proportions of water primers in the tank to optimize coralline algae growth. You should have a low concentration of nitrates (0 to 5 ppm) and low phosphates (0 to .025 ppm) with a water pH between 8.1 and 8.3.

    • 2

      Adjust the lighting in the tank to moderate. The algae derives energy from light as well as water-borne nutrients and minerals.

    • 3

      Control the calcium levels to about 400 to 440 mg/l and keep the carbonated alkaline levels to between 7 and 12 DKH using a calcium buffer system available at fish supply stores.

    • 4

      Force the coralline algae to spread to other rocks in your tank. Do so by filling a bowl with tank water and scraping some coralline algae into it with a clean toothbrush or knife. Unplug the UV sterilizer and pour the water containing the scraped coralline over a patch of rock. The algae will float before it settles and begins to repopulate. Make sure you are using live rock (containing dead algae structures) in the tank.