What are the best parameters for coralline algae growth? I really need more coralline on the back wall of my tank and on my live rock to overcome my green hair algae.
Best parameters for coralline growth?
- Thread starter FindingBlemo
- Start date
To do both in one shot..
Alk = 11-12DKH
CA = 440-500
Mag = 1500-1550
Alk pushing 12 will really accelerate coralline growth and Mag over 1500 will severely reduce hair algae in a tank. Those are getting in the upper limits on acceptable levels though so you have to be careful when playing in those areas.
Alk = 11-12DKH
CA = 440-500
Mag = 1500-1550
Alk pushing 12 will really accelerate coralline growth and Mag over 1500 will severely reduce hair algae in a tank. Those are getting in the upper limits on acceptable levels though so you have to be careful when playing in those areas.
Are you talking English Degrees of Carbonate Hardness or are you talking mEq/L?
My DKH is 3.25DKH but 11.375 mEq/L.
My Calcium is at 520
Sadly, I don't have a magnesium test kit. I'll be sure to buy that soon. But how do I raise the magnesium levels in my tank?
My DKH is 3.25DKH but 11.375 mEq/L.
My Calcium is at 520
Sadly, I don't have a magnesium test kit. I'll be sure to buy that soon. But how do I raise the magnesium levels in my tank?
I'm confused... I thought dKH is dKH... A dKH < 7 is low, and a dKH near 3 is very very low. However, an alkalinity of 11 meq/L is high... something closer to 4 meq/L is more normal. Are the units on those numbers just backwards... should it 3.25 meq/L and 11 dKH? Even then, the online calculator doesn't show those numbers as being equivalent.
There are magnesium supplements on the market -- most of the major companies make them (Seachem, Kent, Brightwell, etc.). It takes quite a bit to raise the Mg level just a little. There's also the DIY variety.
There are magnesium supplements on the market -- most of the major companies make them (Seachem, Kent, Brightwell, etc.). It takes quite a bit to raise the Mg level just a little. There's also the DIY variety.
UGH! You're so right! My DKH is 11.375 and my mEq/L is 3.25. Thanks for bringing that to my attention.
I'll order the magnesium today. Thank you!
p.s. will coralline eventually cover the back of the tank and wipe out the green hair algae? Can GHA grow OVER coralline?
I'll order the magnesium today. Thank you!
p.s. will coralline eventually cover the back of the tank and wipe out the green hair algae? Can GHA grow OVER coralline?
It can't really outcompete it under many circumstances, but you can favor coralline algae by following the above advice. You'll also want to maintain lower levels of phosphate and nitrate, which can favor GHA over coralline. Granted, coralline does appreciate some nitrate and phosphate, it doesn't need much at all to grow well. GHA will definitely overgrow coralline if conditions are favorable, which usually means elevated nitrate and phosphate.
Instead of following the manufacturer's instructions, use this calculator to get the amounts needed. Follow the included instructions for each in terms of how much of the whole dose you can add at one time. You'll need Flash on your computer to use it.
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