determining coraline alage growth or decline

[tikki50]

Hi Im seeing some coraline growth ( I think). I have been lead to believe that when coraline grows it tends to "shed" kind of like a snake would and a material similar to fish food flakes comes off the surface is this correct? Id like to get my mystery of coraline solved.

Also, in another section of the tank noticed some die off. The coraline turned light pink then died. This happened over a few days and covered about 4 square inches of one rock. I was hoping that its not some type of disease and could wipe out my coraline all together in the tank. The cured rock was added almost 2 weeks ago and assumed all die off was complete. I did do some aquascaping and added 20lbs more of live rock (cured) The rock was moved from the surface to the bottom.

I tested for everything but alk. I dont have that test yet. Calcium was a bit high 450-475.

 

[taikonaut]

Usually, there is not much you can do about coralline algae other that making sure the ca and alk level is appropriate, as well as salinity and temperature. It pretty much runs its course, and do well with hand-off approach of reefkeeper.

The shedding you see is normal, but it usually stops after the coralline algae reached stable point, which can be a few months sometimes. Disease in coralline algae is not something that most people look at, which is either an indication of the rarity, lack of interest, or lack on knowledge.