Coralline Algae Growth Rate

[Mikael]

I have coralline algae on some of my rocks. How fast will it spread to my glass? I've been running the blue lights because I read it makes it grow faster.

 

[Coradee]

Giving this a bump up for you, hope one of our salty members can help you today

 

[SecretiveFish]

IME, growth is highly dependent on PH (aiming for 8.3), alkalinity and calcium. If your levels are close to ideal, coraline algae can grow rather quickly.

Also, I have experienced more growth under 10K lighting as opposed to actinics. Actinics are amazing for making corals show their colors, but do not have the light spectrum for encouraging a lot of growth for corals (and algae).

 

[Mikael]

My PH fluctuates between 8.2 and 8.3. My calcium and alkalinity I can't currently check for. I've already noticed some spreading of the pinkish-purple coralline, the maroon coralline seems to stay on one rock, and the green seems to be dying and getting covered with the pinkish purple. I have a full spectrum light, should I run all at once?

 

[Mike]

Need to check and keep calcium and alkalinity up as well as keeping phosphates low. High phosphate levels inhibit coralline and coral growth rates. At least for me that is a winning strategy.

 

[Mikael]

Thank you, probably should be investing in a good reef master test kit here soon.