Corraline Algae and Water Parameters Problems

[xdeputy101]

Hello Everyone,

I am having a huge problem with my tank parameters. My Tank has been up for 8 months. I have had great success that nothing has died due to anything I have done. The tank has been cycled properly and the fish are very happy. One thing that does bother me is my corraline algae. For some reason I cannot get Corraline algae to grow. It seems that any Corraline I introduce to my tank, quickley disappears. I have tried everything. Some people get Corraline algae growing with almost no light and bad water parameters. I know someone going ask " What are your Parameters right now" So here they are:

Temp = 77.4
Specific Gravity = 1.022
Ammonia = 0
Nitrites = 0
Nitrates = 0
Phosphates = 0
DKH = 13
Calcium = 560 PPM ( going to bring this down by performing a water change this weekend)
Magnesium = 1125 PPM
Borate = 2 MEQ\L
PH = 8.4

I have shut off my 250 watt Metal Halide and im just using 4 110 watt actinic lights. 3 are blue actinic and one is 10,000k white.
Lights are on for 12 hours on a timer.

I was using Seachems Reef Complete Calcium but im getting ready to stop using it and switching to B-Ionic 2 part system. I also ordered a bottle of Magnesium to see if thus will change anything. I am planning on doing my water change and checking all parameters again before beginning the B-ionic 2 part dosing.

Does anyone have any other suggestions on what else I can do? I really want the Corraline Algae to begin growing! Im pretty confused here

 

[Ben1]

FWIW I think the mg is a bit low and the alk is a bit high, I also perfer 1.026. If the coraline isnt growing Id say 9 out of 10 times its a phosphate issue. I know you posted 0 p04 but IME when coraline isnt growing its because of p04 preventing calcification from occurring. If CA/ALK/MG are in line, and P04 is low enough every tank Ive had ended up with tons of coralline growth.

Bi-ionic is good stuff, Ive been using BRS's two part for some time now. Just make sure you are testing regularly to determine your proper dosing schedule. I'd also consider running GFO and GAC if you aren't already.

 

[xdeputy101]

Thanks for the info Ben. I do check my p04 regularly. I had a problem with hair algae and had to make sure it was very low or untraceable in the tank. It just baffles me, why it isnt growing. Ive tried everything. These test were performed an hour before my post on here. Just wanted to make sure that my readings were current before posting. Going to try the B-ionic and see what happens. Thanks for the response.

P.S. Isnt 1.026 a little hight for specific gravity? Once you begin to get evaporation you may come up with SG of 1.030 or more if you dont have a top off system. I stay busy so when mine evaporates its around 1.025, I may increase my SG if that wont hurt anything but I try to stay within what natural sea water is. Even though different parts of the ocean have various readings. Certain saltwater Lagoons reach SG levels of 1.028 in certain places.

 

[Ben1]

P.S. Isnt 1.026 a little hight for specific gravity? Once you begin to get evaporation you may come up with SG of 1.030 or more if you dont have a top off system. I stay busy so when mine evaporates its around 1.025, I may increase my SG if that wont hurt anything but I try to stay within what natural sea water is. Even though different parts of the ocean have various readings. Certain saltwater Lagoons reach SG levels of 1.028 in certain places.

Yeah I have an ATO so my salinity always stays stable.

Thanks for the info Ben. I do check my p04 regularly. I had a problem with hair algae and had to make sure it was very low or untraceable in the tank. It just baffles me, why it isnt growing. Ive tried everything. These test were performed an hour before my post on here. Just wanted to make sure that my readings were current before posting. Going to try the B-ionic and see what happens. Thanks for the response.

The problem with P04 test is they don't always seem to give the real info, the P04 could be bound up and become available as the HA or w/e dies off. I've also read P04 can bind to LR and such and re-leach out. FWIW I use a hanna photometer for my P04 testing, my meter shows .02-.04 but I have some small patchs of HA forming. My nitrate is testing 0, so what to trust? With that low P04 and N03 you'd think it would be a non issue. I also see some of my SPS browning up, these to me are a clear issue I am running into a nutrient issue even though my testing is showing otherwise. Generally coralline grows strong in most lighting, I have seen very bright areas it doesn't grow as well, like directly under a a high powered halide in shallow spots. If your going to stick to the two part just remember to keep the testing going as well untill you know your correct daily dosing level. Even after that weekly or biweekly test would be advisable.

 

[xdeputy101]

Thanks for the info. I did a 25% water change yesterday and im not going to dose until the calcium lowers a around 400ppm. I guess im not going to worry so much about the Corraline algae as much. I was reading how some people have started hating Corraline algae as it takes a hold of an entire tank. Some are saying "Be careful what you wish for" I do want it but dont want it to take away from the view we have now. So i bet ya anything now that Im going to back off the subject its going to start growing and become a nightmare with my luck, Anyways thanks a million for your thoughts on this!