coraline algae health as an indicator of a tanks ability to sustain hard corals

[jas]

Hello, looking at various tanks my own in the past and present included, I'm starting to think that corraline growth/health could be used as a "free" indicator of when a newer tank can support the needs of hard corals. I think this because corraline usually starts to grow everywhere once the initial less desirable algae blooms are done and the params. that both corraline and hard corals rely on have stabilized. Its just my observation, and if many of you agree, then the idea could help newbies judge when they can add hard corals to their tanks.

[kinevil]

I voted no. Coralline growth IMO does not mean you can keep sps. Coralline can grown in a tank no where near stable enough for delicate corals. It's a good sign that the system is maturing nicely though.

[Funkymonkey]

I voted yes but after reading Kinevil's comment now I'm not so sure

[Neil]

I vote yes as the OP question was

then the idea could help newbies judge when they can add hard corals to their tanks.

and yes it does indicate that the tank has progressed to a point where there should not be a problem keeping some easy to keep hard corals inc SPS

[jas]

This is a nice debate started here, anymore experiences/ opinions ? Just elaborating one last time, the idea is that IME coraline growth is normally the last step after the tank has matured somewhat, indicating its ability to support hard corals.

[Mitchell]

I've voted yes, I would agree with the observation that one nuisance algae stage has passed coralline starts to appear the system has entered the next phase of maturity.

Providing appropriate KH,cal,mag are maintained and the system equipment is up to it starter sps sould be sustainable.

[Funkymonkey]

Reading comments like this from here Coralline Algae Water Chemistry - How to Grow Coralline Algae in a Saltwater Aquarium

While lighting is important, maintaining excellent water quality may actually be the biggest factor in growing a good crop of Coralline. Like hard corals, Coralline Algae is calcareous by nature, requiring many of the same things corals do in order to flourish:

• SG apx 1.024
• Calcium - 350 to 480 ppm
• Carbonate Alkalinity - Between 2.5 and 4.0 meq/L (7-12 dKH)
• Strontium
• Low Phosphates (Close to Zero)
• Low Nitrates (5 ppm or lower)

what you're saying makes sense

[percula24]

i voted not sure as i had lots of coraline growth and tried lots of sps frags and no luck i think the equipment and dosing is the answer to keeping sps

[white66]

my phosphates are high and my KH/Alk is high but i have lot of coraline algae and i keep sps

[ZombieTuesday]

As an aside to this .. but related, does anyone find there coraline goes thru phases .? sometimes my tank can be mega pink and then it seems to die away and start again