Lack of algae

sunce_22 · #1 04-02-2008, 07:37 AM

So i have had my 20G reef tank set up for about 3.5 months now and I have nearly no algea growing in it. There is coraline algae growing on the glass, and a couple spots of green algae, but they are so small they are basically invisible.

Does this mean that my tank is healthy or unhealthy? I keep reading of people battling algae, and I'm wondering if its a good thing that I'm not.

I have 20 hermit crabs in the tank and ONE margarita snail (and Im sure she can't be eating that much!)

Is it healthy to have no algae?

hillbillyreefer · #2 04-02-2008, 02:34 PM

Give me a couple days I'll send you a nice pail full of GHA that'll get ya going!!!! JK. GHA and a few of it's cousins are a real pain. If you don't have any consider yourself lucky. Not having it is a good thing.

Reefer Rob · #3 04-02-2008, 03:32 PM

This is great! Now just be careful not to bring any algae in on coral etc. All it takes is one tiny little piece and the fun will begin.

argan · #4 04-02-2008, 04:57 PM

from my experience also, the bad ones were hitchhhikers on live rock.

ElGuappo · #5 04-02-2008, 05:37 PM

Sounds like you got a nice clean tank. finally after 7 monthes im algae free. if you veiw my pics the early ones my rocks are covered.. WTG hope it lasts.

Got my CYNO on a rock with bubble coral.

sunce_22 · #6 04-02-2008, 10:37 PM

Wow Thanks guys, I feel much better knowing its a good thing! I love all the coraline algae and its growing on the glass like crazy. (well in little patches).

I have macroalgae growing on the rocks, thats good right?

BTW what exactly does coraline algae do?

marie · #7 04-02-2008, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunce_22

BTW what exactly does coraline algae do?

clog everything up, I hate it

Having said that, it does show you have good calcium/alk levels needed for coral growth

Puff · #8 04-02-2008, 11:53 PM

i just get algae on my glass. it's a PITA, but take a while to build up, so i just do the odd scrape here and there.

sunce_22 · #9 04-03-2008, 12:00 AM

besides showing good calcium/alk levels, does coraline algae give my tank anything good?

Kronk · #10 04-03-2008, 12:16 AM

Makes it look nice... if you want coraline you can get a rock thats heavily encrusted with it and flake and sand it off into your tank. It will speed up the process anyways.

Cheers,
Ken