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TEXASFIST210
Tue, 8th Dec 2009, 05:36 PM
How can i get Purple Coralline Algae on my live rocks?
Do i have to buy something?
I try Purple up but didnt do anything.:confused:
tony
Tue, 8th Dec 2009, 05:40 PM
add both patience and good water quality for best results

the search function will probly give you lots of good results since this is a popular question
Kristy
Tue, 8th Dec 2009, 05:43 PM
Give it time, good water quality, regular water changes to replenish calcium levels, and good lighting and the purple will grow.

You can also add a coraline "starter rock" that is nice and purple, then aim a powerhead at it, and it has been observed that this seems to help the coraline to spread faster.

Those products (Purple Up and other similar products) are widely considered to be unnecessary and of limited benefit, although some out there swear by them. Good rule of thumb is to try not to add anything you are not testing the levels of to determine how much is needed and whether it's needed at all. New tanks should only require regular water changes in order to replenish the nutrients they need. I believe you tank is still newish? Or am I misremembering?
Kristy
Tue, 8th Dec 2009, 05:44 PM
Dang it... Tony was faster (and more concise!)
Europhyllia
Tue, 8th Dec 2009, 05:45 PM
Even if you don't have any spores on your current rocks I bet as soon as you add corals they will bring in spores on the rocks they're growing on and then it will be all over.
If you can't wait and need a starter I can give you a small coralline encrusted thermometer (purple, pink and light green coralline algae) if you want to trade it out for a new cheapo plastic thermometer :)
cbianco
Tue, 8th Dec 2009, 05:50 PM
How can i get Purple Coralline Algae on my live rocks?
Do i have to buy something?
I try Purple up but didnt do anything.:confused:

Patients+light+calcium+time=coraline algea

"Nothing good in this hobby happens fast."

Unfortunately, some things, such as good coraline coverage, take (what seems like) an unGodly amount of time. Get some good "seed" rock (a small piece with coraline already), place it on your rock structure and wait. Nix the whole idea of speeding things up with Purple Up, that stuff wastes time and money.

It's like painting an RC body, put the first color, let it dry, put the second color let it dry...it just takes time.

Coraline comes naturally.

Christopher :)