Coraline on new LR

[dlhirst]

I am adding about 30+ pounds of LR to a rockscape that already has ~30lbs of rock. The existing rock is well covered with coraline. I am wondering what will happen if I "intermix" all the rocks when I rebuild. Will the new rock catch up quickly? Or, will it always lag behind in algae growth? I would hate to end up with rockwork that looks "patchy" because of the combination...

I could keep the new rock to one side, and the old rock to another, I suppose? This will be my first tank changeover, so I have zero experience in this. Any thoughts?

[larryandlaura]

When I upgraded and got new rock I mixed the new with my coraline covered rocks. I dose with reef complete and it is starting to spread now after two months. Hope this helps.

[dlhirst]

Thanks, Larry. Reef Complete is the Seachem product? I haven't gotten too involved in dosing as of yet. Though perhaps that's just because I haven't had much growing yet! Anything to worry about when using it?

[larryandlaura]

Not to much just becareful of overdosing! It will cause coraline to grow all over the glass like crazy. Yes it is made by seachem.

[schminksbro]

It will blend relatively quickly.

[Seaside Treasures]

"live rock" is bacteria covered rock.The more porous the rock is, the more surface area the live rock has, the better the bio-load the tank can handle. coralline covers the pores of the rock, thus reducing the effectiveness of the live rock.