Easiest way to grow algae on rocks?

I have a ton of Texas holey rock I’d like to start culturing diatom/green spot algae on for Mbuna. These rocks will not be kept in an aquarium for a few months.

Can I just fill a tote with the rocks, add water and add liquid fertiliser to coat them in algae? I’d leave them in sunlight, though it’s getting cold and dark here in London.

is this easiest method?

 

Probably. You can put a light over the tote so they have light 24-7. That should do it.

 

Texas holey rock

How rough are the pieces? If the surface is too coarse it causes abrasions in the mouths.

Otherwise: Tote with a light or even a bowl at the window. Let it sit. Rest is waiting.

 

How rough are the pieces? If the surface is too coarse it causes abrasions in the mouths.

Otherwise: Tote with a light or even a bowl at the window. Let it sit. Rest is waiting.

From memory, they are quite smooth but I’ll double check tomorrow.

Tote with a light sounds like the best bet. Can’t have 100kg of hardscape go through my windowsill

I hope you have been well. It has been some time since we spoke, apologies. I’ve been through a rough few months!

 

I hope you have been well. It has been some time since we spoke, apologies. I’ve been through a rough few months!

Likewise and I had some busy weeks too.