Can anyone help me with SLOW coraline algae growth?

[Patroklos]

I get 500 calsium from just my salt mix (Red Sea Coral Pro).

[Got Water?]

Originally Posted by ccCapt

Both are too low. Alk should be closer to 10 dKH and ca 420ppm. Did you test magnesium? What brand salt do you use?

Sorry it me awhile to get back. I had my magnesium tested and it was 1200 and cal. was up a little to 380. I'm thinking this is to low. I was told by LFS to raise the mag. and then my cal. at that time I start just mantaining levels. Sounds like a plan, but is a good one? And how high do I want to raise the levels?

[Ziggy953]

Your Mag should be about 3x your CA levels.

Unless you have a high load of SPS corals in your tank I wouldn't increase your numbers right now. As the demand on CA increases then you can look at upping those numbers.

[ccCapt]

Calcium between 380-450 is good and mag around 1300.
Reef Aquarium Water Parameters by Randy Holmes-Farley

This is a good article on what you can use to raise your levels.
An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System by Randy Holmes-Farley

[Got Water?]

Are my cal/mag levels the problem or could there be something else changing the color of my coraline?

[JoshsReef]

as far as the ph goes, I dont believe anyone mentioned this yet but you said you checked it right before the lights came on. Your reading will generally be a little low at that time so I would check it right before your lights go out, you will get a better reading at that time. As far as everything else it sounds like everyone hit the important stuff to make your coraline grow.

[Kurt_Nelson]

Originally Posted by Got Water?

Sorry it me awhile to get back. I had my magnesium tested and it was 1200 and cal. was up a little to 380. I'm thinking this is to low....

Those levels should be just fine for growing coraline. But it will take a while for it to color back up again.

[Got Water?]

Thanks everyone for all the info! I feel alot more comfortable about what I'm doing. I'm sure there will be some other problems come up, so you will probably be hearing from me again.

[melosu58]

Also be advised be careful what you wish for. Long time ago I had the same problem. Now I just look at all the coralline on the glass and equipment and shake my head. LOL

[Got Water?]

Your tank is gorgeous. I'm jealous. How long did it take to get it there? I hope I'm going to be a successful.