bad rock

Question
I submitted a question to the deeva on 3-1-11 about reusing dead live rock. If you can reference that post it might help understand my problem. After 2 1/2 yrs. I finally got some coraline growing on my new rock as well as my old reused rock. I thought everything was fine so I added 2 fairly small pieces of old rock to the tank to increase my total amount of rock in my tank, much to my surprise all my new growth has died off and it seems that I am back to yhe beginning for coraline algae again, after almost 3 yrs. Obviously the answer is not to add anymore of my old rock into the tank but I am hoping that you might have an answer to what is wrong with my old rock because I have over 100 lbs and sure would like to be able to put alot of it back into use...THANKS for any ideas you have

Answer
Hi Richard,

Good question: see my reply below.

It doesn't matter how many pieces of older dried live rock you were to add to a preexisting aquarium that has Coralline Algae, because the older dried live rock will not affect or harm Coralline Algae Growth, none whatsoever.

Two things are needed to sustain most pink Coralline Algae species in the reef aquarium, and those include light and Calcium.

A product that I personally use is Micro-Lift Coralline Algae Accelerator.

Other factors that can affect Coralline Algae growth include herbivorous marine animals that can consume it as part of their regular diets, this would include most sea urchins.

In conclusion if you keep your Calcium levels maintained, or just slightly above the recommend levels, you should start to see improved Coralline Algae Growth, however keep in mind that it is a slow process.

I wish you success with all your future saltwater aquarium endeavors.

Sincerely,
David