Corraline algae growth, not evenly spread out

[reef tank 2.0]

question about Corraline algae growth.

I have Corraline growing in my tank. little bit everywhere, but I am getting a lot more growth on the right side of my tank. not much on the left.
the gyre on the right side of the tank has a lot on it, but the gyre on the left side doesn't have any at all.

don't know if this is a sign of anything, but what would the left side of the tank be totally different?

 

[Red_Beard]

Could be a number of things. All other things being equal i would say because that it was seeded and took hold on the right side and is just spreading to the left. Otherwise light and flow play a large roll in coraline growth, maybe the flow or lighting on thay side is just that little extra bit different?

 

[MikeReefs]

question about Corraline algae growth.

I have Corraline growing in my tank. little bit everywhere, but I am getting a lot more growth on the right side of my tank. not much on the left.
the gyre on the right side of the tank has a lot on it, but the gyre on the left side doesn't have any at all.

don't know if this is a sign of anything, but what would the left side of the tank be totally different?

Could be anything. I remember when my tank exploded with GHA and the right ride of my tank had nothing. Rock was clean. Whatever was on that side of the tank outcompeted it or was not preferable to gha. I’m sure the same could be going on with your corraline algea

 

[reef tank 2.0]

Now that you mention that....the gyre on the left has green algae on it. That could be blocking the growth...hmm, that makes sense.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Light and flow and the chemical nature of the surface all have a big effect on where coralline grows first or fastest. With light, it should match the needs of the coralline present. That can vary a lot, but more is not always better.

 

[arcwaveaquatics]

question about Corraline algae growth.

I have Corraline growing in my tank. little bit everywhere, but I am getting a lot more growth on the right side of my tank. not much on the left.
the gyre on the right side of the tank has a lot on it, but the gyre on the left side doesn't have any at all.

don't know if this is a sign of anything, but what would the left side of the tank be totally different?

That’s very common and usually comes down to small differences in flow, light, and surface conditions rather than a problem.

Coralline prefers steady flow, moderate light, and clean surfaces. If the right-side gyre has coralline and the left doesn’t, the right side likely has more consistent flow, slightly less intense light, or less biofilm and detritus buildup. Even small differences in pump angle, shading, or flow patterns can make one side take off first.

It’s not a bad sign. Coralline growth is almost always uneven at first and tends to spread as the tank matures, assuming alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium stay stable.