Proper Levels For Coraline Algae?

[Pazzoman]

Hey this is kinda similar to the thread "Calcium Problem"

Well I wanted to know all the things that are taking into account for good levels of the production of coraline algae. I know about putting an already algae coverd rock in the tank, but first the water has to be right....right?

Can you guys tell me what needs to be mesured and where it should be at?

Calcium...460-520 i think...
and other things?

Also how can I achieve each thing

 

[FLESHY]

Your calcium is outrageously high.

All I do for coraline algae is perform regular water changes. This keeps phosphates down, and calcium up...and that is all you need.

 

[Pazzoman]

Yeah I know, the calcium when I last tested was at 560 which was about a week ago since then I did like a 30% water change. Tomorrow I will do another water change probably 20%....

Do you know what are the other factor into good coraline growth?

Calcium
Phosphates
Magnesium

?

Also is thier anybenefits of having coraline algae on the rocks or is it for looks?...Defintly shows your tank is healthy....

 

[FLESHY]

Pretty much just looks. Some urchins eat it.

The water quality thing is big. It means that calcium (and the other EE's that are necessary to synthesize it) are in abundance in the tank.

It also means that your h2o is clean (no phosphates.)

 

[Heathd]

What Fleshy said.

Phosphates block mag or calc absorption by coraline. I cant remember exactly, my brain is toast.

I think good parameters to have are Alk at 9-12, calc around 420, and mag at like 1350. The biggest thing to to be consistent.

 

[Pazzoman]

Ok thanks guys, I probably need to find a kit somewhere that tests everything...and easy to test which is gonna be fun to find.

 

[FLESHY]

I wouldnt do that...I use api for somethings (calcium) and salifert for everything else.

Its hard to fix problems you dont really have from testing with bad test kits.

API is decent though, good place to start and they sell an "all in one" but it really isnt an all in one at all, you will have to buy some other stuff.

 

[Pazzoman]

Hey this is random, but my calcium level tested high, even after umerous water changes. I brought it to my lfs and they tested and said "yes your calcium is high" I was then curious on how to bring it down they said when I start to add corals they will "eat" the calcium is that true? If so how would I maintainthe calcium level?