3 Pack Coralline Starter Pack- Branching Thick and Thin, Coraline Covered Shell
Coralline algae are red algae in the order Corallinales. They are characterized by a thallus that is hard because of calcareous deposits contained within the cell walls. The colors of these algae are most typically pink, or some other shade of red, but some species can be purple, yellow, blue, white, or gray-green.
$39.99
THIS LISTING INCLUDES 1 CORALINE COVERED HALF CLAM SHELLS, 1 Thick and 1 Thin Branching Coraline Algae
So you want to take your saltwater aquarium to the next level? Even if you’ve never operated a reef tank before, establishing and maintaining coralline algae is surprisingly easy.
The cheapest and easiest way to add coralline algae into your tank is to introduce a live rock, or anything else that’s encrusted with the algae, including snails! While many believe snails will eat and destroy coralline algae, the vast majority of reef aquarium snails species aren’t typically interested in having coralline for dinner. In fact, the additional of snails can boost reef tank fauna.
While adding coralline into your tank is a breeze, there’s more to cultivating healthy growth. Don’t worry, if you follow the three pillars of growing coralline you’ll do just fine!
Pillar #1 – Lighting Fundamentals.
The root of healthy growth comes down to lighting. While lighting preferences vary based on algae type and the tank environment, there’s a couple of rules to keep in mind when establishing a coralline colony:
- The Best Lighting…Maybe? – There’s no such thing as a lighting solution that’s best for every coralline algae. It seems every algae has its own unique preferences. But what I’ve found is the vast majority of coralline algae grows well when 10,000K and Actinic Blue lights are used at an intensity of 1.6 watts per tank gallon. My advice? Continually adjust lighting to satisfy your coralline. Be patient and observant!
- Natural Light Cycles – Maximize growth potential with light cycles that mimic sunlight durations.Because coralline algae is photosensitive, excess exposure to light can result in light shock, which turns damaged portions white. However, not all white spots are caused by light shock. Astrea starfish eat the film along the surface of coralline, which bleaches the damaged areas.
Pillar #2 – Stable Tank Parameters.
Aquatic life, including coralline algae, thrive when water parameters remain relatively stable at all times. This typically requires regular water testing and more frequent, smaller water changes. Prevent shocking your tank by avoiding large water changes.
As a general rule of thumb, aim for the following water chemistry parameters:
- Calcium – 350 to 480 ppm
- Alkalinity – 2.8 to 4.3 meq/L or 7 to 12 DKH
- pH – 7.9 to 8.3
- Magnesium – 1300 to 1380 ppm
- Phosphates – Less than 0.25 ppm
- Nitrates – Less than 5 ppm
- Temperature – 78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
Author Yuliya Ivanova
As a lifelong aquarist, Yuliya has an endless curiosity about our underwater universe. After graduating with a bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering, she transformed her passion into a successful career. While working at the Institute of Environmental Protection in Moscow, her passion for saltwater and reef aquariums only increased. Moving to the United States in 2013, Yuliya embarked on another impactful journey by sharing her unprecedented experience for all aquarium hobbyists.
While working on her new book about saltwater and reef aquariums, Yuliya is the exclusive author for ReefHacks. Her writing is designed to help both novice and experienced aquarists create and maintain healthy, happy and long-lasting aquariums.
Thick and Thin Branching Coralline Algae
This type of Thick and also Thin Coralline Algae grows like a SPS Coral. Very easy to care for and an excellent way to introduce Coraline into a new system. EACH FRAG WILL HAVE MULTIPLE BRANCHES
Purchase Size: 4″ to 6″
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