algae and seagrass

[mr. bojangsjang]

If you have healthy growing seagrass will micro-algae still survive? IE similar to the way a fast growing FW planted tank would outcompete algae

 

[Samala]

I imagine its possible to end up in this situation, where seagrass and microalgae coexist.. perhaps most in situations where the plants are not getting optimal light and nutrient levels. However.. in all the test tanks I've had.. microalgae never survived where Halodule and Halophila were growing well. That's including Bryopsis and coralline. Epiphytic forms that attach to seagrass leaves may be another matter, but I havent experienced it yet.

>Sarah

 

[mr. bojangsjang]

Thanks. This may sound dumb but if there is no micro algae would it be possible to keep a clean up crew? If there is no algae I dont see how they coud live, the herbivores at least.

 

[Samala]

This is a good question actually, I dont think I've mentioned it here before. I cant remember what the typical rule of thumb is for clean up crews, something like one snail per gallon. In my seagrass tanks I was keeping just two per ten gallons, and had very little algae to wipe. Astrae and chestnut turbans did very well in these setups. I really dont think you could provide enough microalgae to sustain the typical amounts of snails and possibly the typical numbers of hermits.

>Sarah

 

[mr. bojangsjang]

Thanks! I guess I will look for more detrivores and carnivores over herbivores then.