live rock question

[tripleup05]

I've noticed that my live rock goes through spells of good and bad. At the store the rock was beautiful and full of purple algae, and when I got it home i had the normal die off but it never got back to where it was at the store. basically i've just noticed my rock goes through spells algae growth and then die off, and i dont why. its not normal is it? I was hoping by now that the algae would have spread to the parts of the rock that werent already covered, but i'm lucky to keep the algae where it was originally. does anybody know what might be going on with it, and is it a real problem or sign of something bad thanks!

 

[Anonymous]

Do you do regular water changes? If not, are you supplementing your tank with calcium?

 

[tripleup05]

I havent done regular water changes. I did up until I lost my fish, and then it has been irregular cause there isnt much in there to make waste other than a few snails and crabs. And I have a calcium supplement, but it hasnt been regular either.

 

[Anonymous]

Coralline algae grows better with a little calcium in the tank...so it's possible this is the reason.

 

[tripleup05]

alright thanks. i'll go pick up a calcium test kit and start makin sure it stays at a good level

 

[Anonymous]

Pick up an ALK test while your at it They go hand-in-hand.

 

[tripleup05]

i have an alk test actually. the test for it reads great