How to Get Rid of Coralline Algae on Live Rocks

Many aquarium hobbyists see coralline algae as aesthetically pleasing and beneficial for their aquarium environments. However, some wish to get rid of the algae on live rocks because it has spread too much or as a matter of personal taste. A few simple steps will help eliminate the coralline algae in your tank and help curb future outbreaks.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium scraper
  • Phosphate controlling filter
  • Reverse osmosis water
  • Sea urchins
  • Aquatic plants
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Instructions

    • 1

      Scrape the sides of the tank with an aquarium scraper to remove any coralline algae.

    • 2

      Remove all live rocks and other objects in the aquarium. Rinse them thoroughly with reverse-osmosis water to remove any algae.

    • 3

      Replace the water in the tank with reverse-osmosis water and install a phosphate controlling filter. This helps reduce the nitrate levels that cause coralline algae to flourish.

    • 4

      Return all objects to the aquarium and introduce a sea urchin to the environment. The urchin will eat any coralline algae left on the live rocks. You may introduce more than one urchin if necessary. However, they must be introduced one at a time every one to two weeks.

    • 5

      Introduce additional aquatic plants. They will combat the algae for the nutrients in the water.

    • 6

      Reduce the amount of direct sunlight received by the tank to reduce the photosynthesis production of the coralline algae.