microalgae

[tanksman]

does microalgae have to be in refugium mud or can it be left free floating also can there be more than one type of microalgae in a single refugium

[Reefmedic79]

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First off, you've got your terms crossed. Micro-algae consists of mostly nuisance algae we find in our tanks; hair algae, bryopsis, ect.... Macro-algae is what is normally kept in a refugium.

Now to answer your question.

Macro algae can be kept anywhere in your tank system, though some can become quite invasive, i.e. Caulerpa sp., that will out compete for space with most corals. Free floating algae, such as Cheatomorpha, tend to get tangled on most rock work and/or corals which could become an issue as well. In addition multiple types of macroalgae can be kept in a refugium.

Also, although normally a nuisance microalgae has it's place in our tanks as well, and is necessary to help with nutrient export, as well as food for many organisms in the tank. It only becomes an issue when growth gets out of hand, which is normally a sign that something else is out of balance in the tank.

[crsswift70]

If you have the room you can have more than one, but the whole point is that it grows fast. One will probably out crowd the other in a small refugium. Also, you don't need mud per se. Most do just fine with normal aragonite sand. Certain muds are for planting rooted plants, but most macros grow by absorbing nutrients from the water. I think that GARF mud also claims to add biodiversity though, which is usually a good thing.

[tanksman]

thanks a lot guys very helpful and I'll try to remember that macro vs micro thing