How to Grow Coralline Algae
Planning the Site for Growing Coralline Algae
Coralline algae is a saltwater algae, hence seawater is needed for its growth. Make sure your aquarium has ample lighting and circulation or water flow to enhance propagation of algae seeds. Coralline algae grow best in blue light hence it is not recommended to place your aquarium where it will get the sun’s full blast. Live rocks are the best hosts needed to grow these algae.
Preparing the Site for Growing Coralline Algae
Seed your live rocks and live sand with coralline algae before placing them in the tank. Set up a mechanism for fast water flow and circulation to spread the algae seeds. Attach fluorescent lights for lighting and make sure that the number of herbivores present, which eat the coralline algae, is not too high. The water in the tank should have a balanced pH. Both acidic and alkaline water are not recommended for coralline growth.
Required Materials for Growing Coralline Algae
The materials required for growing coralline algae include live rocks and live sand, clean saltwater, low-wattage lighting, water flow or circulation mechanism, and various nutrient boosters and pH buffers.
Watering Requirements of Coralline Algae
Clean saltwater is a must for growing coralline algae.
Nutrients Required by Coralline Algae
One thing to remember about growing coralline algae is that excessive levels of phosphate and lack of calcium will stunt its growth. Calcium levels should be at least 400ppm and phosphate levels should be kept below 0.3ppm. Other nutrient requirements of coralline algae include strontium, magnesium, some trace elements, and vitamins.
Seasons Apt for Growing Coralline Algae
Cold weather is not suitable for growing coralline algae. Optimum growth in aquariums can be reached at around 48 degrees Celsius.
Expectations/Results
If the requirements for growing coralline algae are all followed, rocky patches of pink or red will be appear in your cultivated environment.