Used tank with coralline algae

[bromion]

Hi all,

I bought a used tank (58g Oceanic) that has some coralline algae buildup on the glass. The tank has been dry for some time. Can I use this in a positive way when starting my reef, or should I remove it before doing any setup?

Thanks!

[BillyZ]

Welcome to Aquarium Advice.com

If it's been dry for some time I don't think it will be much benefit. But if it's just on the back of the tank and not obstructing your viewing I don't think it will cause much harm either.

If you wanted to remove it soak it with vinegar then scrape with a credit card or razor scraper (it's a glass tank, right?). It should come off fairly easy. Then rinse the vinegar out as well as possible.

[seaham358]

I would scrape the tank clean and start over.

[malkore]

Since it's not beneficial, I'd probably scrape it, just for looks.

However, and correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't coralline full of calcium? Might not be bad to scrape it into the substrate to help buffer the water.

just a thought.

[melosu58]

Scrape it off and start afresh