coraline or not

[bkvreef]

The back of my 220g is starting to get some solid covering of coraline.

I am looking for opinions with good reasons.  Should I leave it or clean it off?

Don't say it's whatever you like (I know that, but I want to hear other opinions !).

Thanks

[TechGuy]

IT absorbs nutrients other algaes would?

On the other hand its eating up your calcium.

[Reefd Up]

It'll quickly kill your calcium...I would scratch it off unless you like the look of a hot pink background.    It'll grow back quickly...no reason to not scrape it frequently. 

[lazylivin]

Without a doubt.....Scrape it 

[woltersb]

Whats the best tool to use you guys think???

[jungliztkruger]

ive read that credit cards work great but ive always used a scrap of acrylic and it works great

[Aquatic Specialists]

i would not use a razor blade do to etching your glass. There is a blade they make but it is not really sharp. It removes it quickly and effectivly. As with any algea or plant in your aquaria, it is beneficial as it will keep calcium in moderate levels and absorb other nutrients that harmful algea needs to survive. But as i'm sure you have realized by now, almost anything in excess in the reef tank is never a good thing. Moderation is key. I personaly leave a little on the back and overflows for this reason. Just don't let it cover completely. An urchin is also a natural very effective way to do this, but they also have their down falls, they will pickup frags and other items to disguise themselves.

[TechGuy]

An urchin is also a natural very effective way to do this, but they also have their down falls, they will pickup frags and other items to disguise themselves.

Yeah, mine had a Nasarius snail stuck to it last night.

[lazylivin]

If you can get to the back with a magnet cleaner this is the most amazing product. Comes off like butter. You will need a compatible magnet cleaner to mount it to.

http://www.marinedepot.com/Easy_Blade_(Glass_Only)_-Algae_Free_Sure_Flow_Sure_Grip-AF1311-FIMTAMAC-vi.html

It is what I use to keep this 6 year old reef tank glass clean. Here is a pic after cleaning with the Easy Blade and a soak in vinegar for the overflow and pumps.

If you cant get to the back then this will work but requires much more energy and alot less effective. I use it for those hard to reach areas.

As Reef'd Up up said scrape it frequently. If not it will grow really think making it more difficult to get off. I typically scrape once every month to three months.

[lazylivin]

I forgot to mention that the easy blade is for glass tanks only. However the Kent 36" scrapper can be used for Glass or Acrylic depending on whether you get a plastic blade or a stainless steel blade.

[harleyrider]

I gotta kinda go with what Justin said, i was always told to just keep the front and two sides clean and never touch back glass due to balance of tank, heck who knows, whatever works right!

[TechGuy]

I use the Kent scraper on the front and sides. I don't mess with the back.

[jd]

On the note of encrusting algae, my back panel also gets some green calcified algae. Anyone know what it is?

[jungliztkruger]

green coraline

[TechGuy]

Orange and pink is my favorite. I get the neon orange in my overflows. Seems like when it sits out of water for a bit it changes colors.

[jd]

Thanks, I figured that what it was. I really like the bright red, but I only have a few pinhead sized spots of it. Anyway, back to the topic. Sorry to threadjack.

[bkvreef]

not a problem.

Lazy livin I like your picture nice clean back ground!

Anyone else with pictures?