Coralline algae is a red algae and the pink or purple form is more common in saltwater aquariums. In the ocean coralline algae is found on nearly every reef and in the wild several unique forms exist such as types that grow in a scroll pattern, a branching pattern and a lobed pattern. In saltwater aquariums nearly all coralline algae is of the encrusting type.
Coralline algae on a rock
Coralline algae uptakes calcium during growth and for this reason you may need to increase calcium doses if you have an abundance of coralline algae in your tank. Magnesium is also though to boost it’s growth. Products that claim to encourage coralline algae growth are usually nothing more than concentrated doses calcium and magnesium so simply raising your tank’s calcium and magnesium levels will likely get you the same result assuming there is some amount of coralline algae in your tank. If you don’t see any coralline algae in your tank, acquiring scrapings or a frag with some coralline algae on the plug will introduce the algae into your system.
I was once asked to overnight coralline algae scrapings to Hong Kong so if you are looking to start a side business, coralline algae scrapings may be your calling!
As I wrote in yesterday’s Terrible Advice Tuesday’s post, the abundance or lack of coralline algae is not an indicator of your tank’s health. If you don’t see it in your tank, there are plenty of hobbyists who would love to have your problem as they hate coralline algae.
Finally, worrying that coralline algae will render your live rock useless due to the clogging of pores is a waste of your time. There will be plenty of areas on your rock where coralline algae won’t grow.
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