How much light for coraline algae?

[JoeJoeJoe]

Hi everyone,

I've just recommissioned an old 15G tank for FOWLR use. For lighting, I have a single 15 watt NO (Zoo Med Reef Sun 50/50).

Is this enough light for Coraline algae growth?

Thanks in advance.
Joe

 

[Max]

Sure it doesn't need too much light . You'll have to make sure your kh/ph/ca level is good though for it to really take off.

 

[JoeJoeJoe]

Hi Max,

Thanks for your reply.

My parameters are in great shape (kH12/PH8.4/Ca ~420) so that side of things is covered. I'm just hoping that the amount of light I have is sufficient to get my Coraline algae going without any new lighting investment.

I've read many reports where Coraline will grow in low light, but few people quantify the amount in terms of WPG (1 WPG in my case). Anyone out there having good success with 1 WPG?

Do you have any other tips for helping things along? I just set up my aquarium with mostly lace rock and purchased a few small pieces of live rock with a bit of Coraline on each piece and hope to spread it around.

I've read that snails (Cerith/Nass?) are usefull in spreading the Coraline spores around to adjacent rock. Should I brush (i.e. with a toothbrush) the areas of Coraline to help it spread?

Any tips would be much appreciated.

cheers,
Joe

 

[Max]

Yes, I've used a tooth brush, tooth picks etc to flake off little bits. The snails and stuff will help out a little to. How much l.r. vs lace rock? If you have enough you could get an urchin. They will eat coraline but, in the process they'll help it spread around your tank . If you don't have enough though they'll eat it all so. As another idea you can get some l.r. thats covered with coraline and scrape it off with a plastic knife etc then pour the liquid into your tank. If you don't have anything in there but, rock turn off your power heads for a couple of days to give it time to stick.
Hth
Chris

 

[JoeJoeJoe]

Thanks again Chris. Much appreciated!

Joe