Reef Central Online Community

Go Back   Reef Central Online Community > Invert and Plant Forums > Marine Plants & Macroalgae
Blogs FAQ Calendar Mark Forums Read

Notices

User Tag List

Reply
Thread Tools
Unread 11/02/2017, 08:20 PM   #1
CPdude
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 96
Best macro algae for Main Tank?

Hi all. I am currently battling algae. I just won against cyano bacteria but now these brown stuff are coming. I scrub the tank's glass daily and blast them off the rocks. Apparently my sea hare recently died(rip) and thats probably why my nitrates are high. I do not have a refugium. So what macroalgae can I use in the main tank? If not, I have a in-tank isolation box that can potentially be a in-tank refugium.Also, I have a canister filter which has carbon and bio media in it, should I get a skimmer? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

Sent from my LG-H650 using Tapatalk



Last edited by CPdude; 11/02/2017 at 09:28 PM.
CPdude is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 11/02/2017, 10:41 PM   #2
Michael Hoaster
Registered Seaweedist
 
Michael Hoaster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 5,807
In general the green caulerpas like more light and grow fast, helping to soak up nutrients the bad algae wants. Red macros like less light and grow slower and don't need as many nutrients. Having both adds stability. Then its just a matter of what you like. Try a few and see what does well for you.


__________________
As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance,
our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey

Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018
Michael Hoaster is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 11/03/2017, 03:28 AM   #3
CPdude
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 96
Might a cactus algae work? Heard this species aren't as crazy as the others like caulerpa.

Sent from my LG-H650 using Tapatalk


CPdude is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 11/03/2017, 06:53 AM   #4
Michael Hoaster
Registered Seaweedist
 
Michael Hoaster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 5,807
Any plant you want, really. Give it a go.


__________________
As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance,
our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey

Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018
Michael Hoaster is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 11/06/2017, 11:28 AM   #5
Subsea
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Austin, Tx
Posts: 1,882
Help us help you

Quote:
Originally Posted by CPdude View Post
Hi all. I am currently battling algae. I just won against cyano bacteria but now these brown stuff are coming. I scrub the tank's glass daily and blast them off the rocks. Apparently my sea hare recently died(rip) and thats probably why my nitrates are high. I do not have a refugium. So what macroalgae can I use in the main tank? If not, I have a in-tank isolation box that can potentially be a in-tank refugium.Also, I have a canister filter which has carbon and bio media in it, should I get a skimmer? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

Sent from my LG-H650 using Tapatalk

I will answer some of your questions. However, without knowing more about your tank and what is your dream for it, it is hard to offer advice.

Are you using GAC. I would recommend using it continually, no matter what method you go with. GAC is compatiable with all methods but cryptic zone sponges, both compete for DOC (dissolved organic carbon). While I circulate thru canister filter with GAC in it, I only change GAC when bio indicators like GHA indicate a need.

If this is a temporary solution, then I would advise one thing.

If you are interested in a mixed garden lagoon tank, then I would recommend two different growth rate macros. Fast growth rate like Caulerpa Prolifera, looks like oar grass, provides a nice green undulating wave. Do not let it’s holdfast get on your rock. Now Grape Caulerpa holdfast are easily removed of all bits. An added benefit of Grape Caulerpa is it makes a good snack for nutrient export. I dip it in fresh ice water to remove salt and most importantly enhance crispness. I eat this as a garnish with ceviche or on its own with sesame seed oil, sweet cooking rice wine, soy sauce and lime juice. For decorative macro I like Red Grapes. With red and green colors you would start out with a Christmas theme.

https://www.marineplantbook.com/
If you use this reference by Russ Kronwetter from Gulf Coast EcoSystem aka live-plants.com you will know more than the rest of us.


__________________
Laissez les bons temps rouler,
Patrick Castille

Current Tank Info: 10,000G. Greenhouse Macro Growout
Subsea is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:49 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Powered by Searchlight © 2024 Axivo Inc.
Use of this web site is subject to the terms and conditions described in the user agreement.
Reef CentralTM Reef Central, LLC. Copyright ©1999-2022
User Alert System provided by Advanced User Tagging v3.3.0 (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.