Purple Algae

[EricL]

When I see other tanks live rock , there is a purple algae on 99.9% of them. What is this and do I want it?

 

[neilanh]

It's coraline algae. Very pretty and good stuff to have.

 

[EricL]

how do I get it?

 

[ccCapt]

You need a rock with coralline to "seed" the tank then maintain proper levels of ca, alk and mag and keep phosphate and nitrate levels down.

 

[EricL]

Is This OK

I just purchased some live rock with Coraline algae ( sorry for the quality of pics ) and I did not even think about my puffer and hermit crabs. Are they going to be a problem?

 

[Kurt_Nelson]

No problem. They don't bother it. Urchins will munch on it though.

 

[roka64]

I agree, the puffer will munch on your LR to file down his fused teeth, but it should not be an issue.

 

[melosu58]

Coralline algea. As the others said it`s good stuff. Your LR has some good on it. It should seed the rest pretty good.

 

[ogden10]

I have used some additives in the past to "speed up" the Coraline growth. The best one was purple something or another...sorry can't remember the exact name. Otherwise patience will provide.

 

[roka64]

It's called purple up. I prefer to do the natural way and not dose my tanks unless I really need to.

 

[melosu58]

I agree with Scott. Additives are not the way to go, Just seed it with some more coralline