04-14-2005, 01:51 PM
Encrusting coralline algae comes in many shades of reds, purples and even greens. Coralline is photosynthetic and it is a calcifying algae that uses and deposit calcium carbonate to grow. With this in mind, good alkalinity, calcium and magnesium level should be maintained for optimal growth, as well as low phosphates. Phosphates will hinder the calcification process slowing the coralline's growth.
It is a very important part of the natural reef's ecosystem and can be just as valuable in our home systems, for reasons other than just looks. For example, if a rock is covered with coralline it is a lot less likely that other nuisance algae will take hold.
If anyone has any pictures or additional information they would like to share, please feel free to post it here.
It is a very important part of the natural reef's ecosystem and can be just as valuable in our home systems, for reasons other than just looks. For example, if a rock is covered with coralline it is a lot less likely that other nuisance algae will take hold.
If anyone has any pictures or additional information they would like to share, please feel free to post it here.