Coralline algae

[as40]

Hey all,

Just wondering...

How long did it/does it take before a tank's LR/sand/etc. gets covered in all the beautiful coralline algae, on average?

Mine hasn't been set up long, but I've been pumping the calcium to try and speed up growth.

 

[gbolton]

It really depends I have seen quite a it of growth over about a 9 month period. Its not just calcium but also alkalinity that promotes the spread of coraline algae.

 

[Max]

just to add a little more to gboltons quite correct reply. It also will depend on other factors like grazing, algal overgrowth and lighting. Red coraline algaes don't do as well under really bright lighting but, the greens will establish in those areas but, they tend to take longer to establish and need pretty good water conditions IME. They also don't compete as well with hair algae etc.
hth
chris